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

Sunday, October 5, 10:46 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. stayed heavily involved in the team's offense with Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) missing a second straight game on Sunday on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers. Samuel led the team in targets (11), receptions (eight), and receiving yards (96) while catching his third touchdown of the season in the 27-10 victory in Week 5 in quarterback Jayden Daniels' return from a knee sprain. The 29-year-old has had a nice bounce-back season in 2025 so far in his first year in Washington while being the team's most consistent pass-catcher. Through the first five weeks, Samuel has 346 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns. As long as he can stay healthy, Samuel should continue to be a must-start in fantasy lineups, even when McLaurin returns from his quad injury. Samuel will have quite a bit of upside in Week 6 on Monday night against the Chicago Bears, especially if McLaurin misses a third game.

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.