Who Should I Start? DeVonta Smith or Josh Downs

Saturday, December 13, 12:40 PM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is coming off of back-to-back weeks where his production didn't quite meet expectations. It's not due to a lack of looks-Smith is averaging nine targets per game since Week 12-the issue is more because of his yardage. Over the same three-game span, he's averaging just 6.4 yards per target. For comparison, his counterpart A.J. Brown has averaged 9.8 during that time. However, Smith does have a favorable matchup this Sunday against the Raiders. Las Vegas gives up the third-most fantasy points to wideouts this season, and the Eagles should have little trouble putting this team away in what feels like a must-win game. Smith isn't the most comfortable option for fantasy playoffs, but he's done enough to be slotted as a decent WR3/FLEX in Week 15.

Saturday, December 13, 1:01 PM

Across 12 games this season, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has recorded 44 receptions for 393 yards and three touchdowns on 65 targets. Downs has earned at least five targets in four out of his last five contests, but he's failed to crack 50 receiving yards in a game since Week 9. In Week 15, the Colts will turn to 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to replace the injured Daniel Jones (Achilles), who was lost for the season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14. It's hard to project what Rivers will bring to the table for Downs and the Colts' pass-catchers, as Rivers has not played in an NFL game since the 2020 season. One certain thing is that Indianapolis faces a difficult matchup in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. Entering the weekend, Seattle ranks first among NFL defenses in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.0). Between the tough matchup and the Colts' quarterback uncertainty, Downs should likely be avoided by fantasy managers in Week 15.