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

Sunday, November 16, 3:41 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. caught seven of his eight targets for 74 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 11 contest against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid. He also logged a three-yard rush. Samuel became the first NFL player to ever score a touchdown in Madrid as the league wrapped up its 2025 international series. The 29-year-old has proven to be a valuable addition for the Commanders, stepping up as the team's No. 1 receiver with Terry McLaurin (quad) enduring an extended absence. Samuel continued to showcase his rapport with Marcus Mariota on Sunday, and he'll remain a high-end WR2 option on the other side of Washington's Week 12 bye.

Saturday, November 15, 12:41 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs saw a massive reduction in snaps and targets during his last game against the Atlanta Falcons. In Berlin, Downs played a mere 43 percent of the Colts' offensive snaps, converting two targets into one catch for three yards. The 24-year-old impressed as the WR35 in PPR leagues last season, but he has taken a step backward this year. He ranks outside the top 40 receivers and can no longer be trusted on a week-to-week basis. One reason for Downs' struggles is the increased competition around him. Indy is leaning on the run more than usual given Jonathan Taylor's success, and they've also gotten exceptional contributions from Tyler Warren, Michael Pittman Jr., and Alec Pierce. This has left Downs as somewhat of the odd man out. We do expect him to command more than two targets per game going forward, but he's not startable for the time being. Managers should leave Downs on the bench when the Colts return from their bye in Week 12.