Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Calvin Austin III

Thursday, November 20, 11:08 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs continues to lose ground in his battle for playing time and volume. As the Colts emerge from their Week 11 bye and prepare for Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Downs is likely fourth in the pass-catching pecking order behind Michael Pittman Jr., Tyler Warren, and Alec Pierce. In his last game, the 24-year-old played a mere 43 percent of the offensive snaps, converting two targets into one catch for three yards. The 24-year-old impressed as the WR35 in PPR leagues last season, but he has taken a step backward this year. The Colts are running the ball quite often, and when Daniel Jones does throw, he often looks for a different weapon. Downs ranks outside the top 40 receivers and can no longer be trusted in fantasy starting lineups.

Friday, November 21, 10:53 AM

Across eight games this season, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has recorded 22 receptions for 242 yards and two touchdowns on 37 targets. It's been a struggle for the 26-year-old over in recent weeks, as he's hauled in just three catches for 19 yards on eight targets over his last two games. Perhaps most notably, Austin III saw a significant drop in playing time in the Steelers' Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Austin III played just 19 offensive snaps against Cincinnati, his lowest total in any game this season and nearly 20 fewer than fellow Steelers wideout Roman Wilson. Heading into a Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears, Austin III could be fading into a depth role in Pittsburgh. He should not be trusted as a fantasy starter against Chicago.