Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Josh Downs

Friday, December 12, 4:54 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) missed Friday's practice with an illness and is listed as questionable for Sunday's divisional matchup against the New York Giants. It's not ideal that Samuel was added to the injury report late in the week, but it'd be a surprise if his illness ultimately prevents him from suiting up in Week 15. Fantasy managers will want to keep tabs on the injury report come Sunday morning. The former San Francisco 49ers wideout is coming off a quiet game against the Minnesota Vikings, with four catches for 27 yards on six targets. He's had a solid first season overall in Washington, hauling in 62 of his 81 targets for 561 yards and five touchdowns to go with 13 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown in 12 games. Samuel will profile as a solid WR3/flex option on Sunday if he's active, but Terry McLaurin's presence certainly lowers his fantasy ceiling and floor.

Wednesday, December 10, 12:17 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs hasn't been a big fantasy factor this season, recording 44 receptions for 393 yards and three touchdowns on 65 targets. After a promising sophomore campaign last year, Downs hasn't been emphasized with three other talented pass-catchers in the Colts' offense, plus a lean towards the run with a superstar back Jonathan Taylor. With quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) out for the season and 44-year-old Philip Rivers expected to be the team's starter moving forward, it's possible that Downs' opportunities will increase with Rivers primarily operating in the short area of the field. The 24-year-old's fantasy upside is still capped while being limited to routes in three-wide receiver sets. Downs still profiles as a deep-league flex option for a tough Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but his floor is probably lower now with Jones done for the year.