Who Should I Start? Jordan Matthews or Josh Downs

Tuesday, November 12, 2:12 PM

The Carolina Panthers are releasing wide receiver Cam Johnson and tight end Jordan Matthews on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The team also activated veteran wideout Adam Thielen from Injured Reserve. Johnson went unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Northwestern and has spent time on the Cowboys and Panthers practice squad. Matthews, who began his career as a wide receiver out of Vanderbilt in 2014, has been with Carolina since 2023, but he only played in one game for the organization. These moves do not have any fantasy football impact.

Sunday, January 5, 8:52 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught 10 of his 13 targets for 94 yards during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts' passing attack has seen a significant boost ever since quarterback Joe Flacco took over for the injured Anthony Richardson (back), but Downs truly took his productivity to the next level during Sunday's season finale. He finishes the 2024 campaign with 72 catches, 803 yards, and five touchdowns. Each of these three marks represented season-highs, topping the totals he delivered as a rookie last year. Downs has firmly established himself as an appealing 1B option with the Colts, pairing nicely alongside their 1A receiver, Michael Pittman Jr. The UNC product will rank as a high-end WR3 when 2025 fantasy football drafts kick off next summer, and he has even greater appeal in dynasty leagues.