Who Should I Start? Jordan Addison or Josh Downs

Friday, December 12, 4:20 PM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (Achilles) should be considered a high-risk, high-reward WR3/flex candidate with the Vikings set to travel to Dallas in Week 15. Minnesota's typically dangerous passing game has taken a significant step back in 2025 as second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy has faced both injuries and periods of struggle, prompting the Vikings to simplify the offense and prioritize their running attack. McCarthy has favored Addison, however, as the receiver has 17 targets in the past two weeks. That offers breakout potential against a Dallas defense that ranks 30th in net yards per attempt allowed, 32nd in passing touchdowns allowed, and 32nd against fantasy wide receivers. Off the injury report and now facing a quality matchup, Addison has a pathway to a big week, albeit with risk, given the Vikings' offensive volatility this year.

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.