Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Jayden Reed


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
10.3 0.5 0.0 4.3 44.6 0.2

Josh Downs News

Josh Downs to Still See Usage in Two-Receiver Sets

Tuesday, August 18, 5:49 AM

Used primarily from the slot through the first three seasons of his career, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has seen extensive outside work throughout training camp, with a lack of positional depth leading to a projection of expanded usage in two-receiver sets. With the Colts signing veteran receiver Keenan Allen on Monday night, there is now reason to question how that plan may be affected, but Colts analyst Destin Adams believes Downs will still see the bulk of the work alongside Alec Pierce when two receivers are on the field, with Allen mixing in as needed. Then when the team moves to 11-personnel, Downs will kick inside while Allen mans the 'Z'. While Adams' assessment is reassuring for those calling for a Downs breakout, the impact that Allen had in making Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey one of fantasy's biggest disappointments in 2025 can not be overlooked, and Downs, who has been coming off the board as the WR43, is likely to see his ADP drop.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
10.4 5.1 0.0 3.7 43.8 0.3

Jayden Reed News

Jayden Reed Totals 19 Yards in Preseason Opener

Thursday, August 13, 8:31 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was on the field with the starters in the Packers' 28-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first preseason game for Green Bay. Reed, who signed a three-year extension to stay with the Packers through the 2029 season, earned two targets, catching one of them for 19 yards. Notably, per PFF's Nathan Jahnke, Reed did not play outside of 11 personnel, when three wide receivers were in the formation. The Packers played two snaps of 12 personnel with the starters in and Matthew Golden was in the game while Reed was not. That is a clear signal that things will likely remain the same for Reed as it's been in previous seasons with him being a slot-only player. Reed should be a focal point in the Packers' offense, but he's behind Tucker Kraft and potentially Golden and Christian Watson in the pecking order. The Packers' next preseason game comes on August 21st against the Denver Broncos. For fantasy football purposes, Reed is a volatile WR3 with upside for 2026.


Josh Downs vs. Jayden Reed

Still trying to decide between Downs and Reed? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Josh Downs is projected to score 10.3 points this week while Jayden Reed is projected to score 10.4 points.