Who Should I Start? Darnell Mooney or Josh Downs

Monday, October 27, 9:57 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney caught one of his four targets for 11 yards in their 34-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Mooney was set up for a potential big game with No. 1 wide receiver Drake London (hip) ruled out, but Atlanta struggled to sustain any offense as veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins filled in for an injured Michael Penix Jr. (knee). Mooney finished a distant third on the team in targets, with tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. leading the way with nine and veteran wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge coming in right behind him with eight targets. Mooney is a name to watch on the waiver wire despite the down game because of the injury to London. His status will be updated in the coming days. If he's sidelined again for Week 9 against the New England Patriots, Mooney should be in line for additional targets and could also benefit from Penix's potential return for the road matchup.

Tuesday, October 28, 11:27 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs returned from a one-week absence due to a concussion in Week 9, recording three catches for 39 yards and a touchdown in his team's win over the Tennessee Titans. Downs has now hauled in 29 receptions for 256 yards and two scores on 37 targets across seven games in 2025. The Colts have been one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL this season, averaging over 30 points per game. Given the environment around him, Downs holds fantasy value even if he's a tertiary target earner behind Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and tight end Tyler Warren. Downs has earned at least five targets in five out of his seven games played. He should be rostered in all fantasy leagues heading into Indianapolis' Week 9 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.