Who Should I Start? Jalen Tolbert or Josh Downs

Sunday, November 23, 3:43 PM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (coach's decision) and running back Jaydon Blue (coach's decision) are healthy scratches for Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. Both players will be inactive. Tolbert had not previously missed a game this season, but his demotion is not necessarily a surprise, given that his snap share has been below 20% in each of the Cowboys' last three games. He has just 14 catches for 172 yards and one touchdown on offense, plus five kick returns on special teams. Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin should earn more opportunities in his absence. Meanwhile, Blue has been active for just four games during his rookie campaign, averaging 2.95 yards per carry. Dallas is carrying just two running backs (Javonte Williams and Malik Davis) into Sunday's game, as well as fullback Hunter Luepke.

Sunday, December 21, 1:00 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs presents as a low-floor fantasy dart throw for his home outing with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. Downs hauled in 3-of-5 passes for 13 yards in last weekend's 18-16 loss to the Seahawks, accounting for Philip Rivers' first touchdown pass since Week 17 of the 2020 season. With Rivers under center, Indy went with a short, quick pass attack to cater to the veteran's current capabilities. While it was effective on the field, an equal administering of pass attempts will hurt all involved on the Indianapolis side of the ball. As it stands, Downs is a downright chore to cover in that area of the field, potentially giving him a leg up on teammates Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce in the Colts' attack. Even if that's the case, though, the third-year pro's standing as the third option regarding snap share at the position significantly limits his ceiling. Downs may still hold some modest value in DFS formats, but is tough to trust as RotoBaller's PPR WR62 for Week 16.