Who Should I Start? DeAndre Hopkins or Josh Downs

Saturday, January 25, 4:29 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins did not have a single catch in the Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans. The veteran receiver was acquired by the Chiefs at the trade deadline and had an immediate impact. Hopkins' involvement dwindled as the season continued, and Xavier Worthy stepped into the WR1 role. The 32-year-old could be relatively uninvolved again versus the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game. Kansas City has centered its winning playoff strategy around running the ball and relying on a few trusted pass catchers. Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy are above Hopkins in the pecking order, which could leave very few opportunities for the veteran receiver. Hopkins should not be started in most playoff leagues and should be viewed as a touchdown-dependent flex play in DFS.

Sunday, January 5, 8:52 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught 10 of his 13 targets for 94 yards during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts' passing attack has seen a significant boost ever since quarterback Joe Flacco took over for the injured Anthony Richardson (back), but Downs truly took his productivity to the next level during Sunday's season finale. He finishes the 2024 campaign with 72 catches, 803 yards, and five touchdowns. Each of these three marks represented season-highs, topping the totals he delivered as a rookie last year. Downs has firmly established himself as an appealing 1B option with the Colts, pairing nicely alongside their 1A receiver, Michael Pittman Jr. The UNC product will rank as a high-end WR3 when 2025 fantasy football drafts kick off next summer, and he has even greater appeal in dynasty leagues.