Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Dontayvion Wicks

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.

Sunday, January 12, 9:36 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks was consistently relied upon during the Packers' 22-10 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles on Wild Card Weekend. Wicks was the top remaining receiver following injuries to Romeo Doubs (concussion) and Jayden Reed (shoulder) in the second half. Earning a team-high six targets on the afternoon, Wicks could only bring in two of those targets for 39 yards. He had an opportunity for a deep shot early but Jordan Love's throw ultimately was underthrown and the Eagles' Darius Slay made the interception early in the second quarter. Wicks' season was a bit of a rollercoaster with drops and inconsistent playing time, but he still led the Packers in targets (75) in 2024 to go along with 39 catches, 415 yards, and five touchdowns. For fantasy purposes, Wicks should be a late-round upside wide receiver.