Who Should I Start? Cooper Kupp or Josh Downs

Friday, October 3, 7:56 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp has entered the bench stash phase of his career. He is not a viable option in Week 5 when the Seahawks host the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers have an untested passing defense, but Kupp has been too inconsistent to this point in the season. Kupp has only surpassed 6.6 fantasy points one time this season. Additionally, the Seahawks' passing volume is low. Quarterback Sam Darnold is averaging 25 passing attempts per game, and 8.5 of those passes are going to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Some of that has been due to game script. The offense has been relatively efficient, and the defense has been elite, resulting in a lower passing volume. If the Buccaneers' offense challenges Seattle in Week 5, the passing volume could increase. However, Kupp is too risky a player to deploy right now. He still has talent, but as of now, he is a better wide receiver for the Seahawks than he is for fantasy.

Saturday, October 4, 11:13 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is off to a quiet start to the season. The veteran slot receiver has caught just 14 passes for 121 scoreless yards through four games as he has taken a back seat to Michael Pittman Jr. and Tyler Warren in the passing attack. Downs has hope for a breakout game in Week 5, however, as he will face off against a Las Vegas Raiders defense that is allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts through four games. It is understandable if fantasy managers aren't ready to trust Downs due to his slow start, but this is the week to start him as a solid flex option in PPR leagues thanks to the excellent matchup.