Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Calvin Austin III

Wednesday, December 10, 12:17 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs hasn't been a big fantasy factor this season, recording 44 receptions for 393 yards and three touchdowns on 65 targets. After a promising sophomore campaign last year, Downs hasn't been emphasized with three other talented pass-catchers in the Colts' offense, plus a lean towards the run with a superstar back Jonathan Taylor. With quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) out for the season and 44-year-old Philip Rivers expected to be the team's starter moving forward, it's possible that Downs' opportunities will increase with Rivers primarily operating in the short area of the field. The 24-year-old's fantasy upside is still capped while being limited to routes in three-wide receiver sets. Downs still profiles as a deep-league flex option for a tough Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but his floor is probably lower now with Jones done for the year.

Friday, December 12, 6:38 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (calf) was added to the Week 15 injury report and was listed as limited in Friday's practice, according to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. Austin's status for Monday night's game against the Miami Dolphins is now in question, but we'll have a better idea of his availability after Pittsburgh's final practice of the week on Saturday. It's unclear if the 26-year-old sustained a calf injury during Friday's practice. Austin hasn't been a major contributor for the Steelers or fantasy managers in his third NFL season, catching 27 of 46 targets for 309 yards and only two touchdowns in 11 games. He has not found the end zone since Sept. 21 and has not cleared 50 receiving yards since Nov. 2 against the Colts. There is nobody for fantasy managers to trust in starting lineups in Pittsburgh's WR corps beyond DK Metcalf. If Austin cannot play against Miami, veteran Adam Thielen could have a bigger role in his second game with the team.