Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Ladd McConkey

Friday, November 22, 6:30 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs leads his team in targets (71) and yards per game (63.0). Quarterback Anthony Richardson looked his way five times in Week 11 and Downs caught all five balls for 84 yards and a touchdown. Coming into the contest with a 44.4% completion rate, there were concerns about Richardson's ability to get his receivers the ball, but he proved that he could still do it, even against a strong Jets pass defense (20-for-30, 66.7%). The Colts are seven-point underdogs for Sunday's contest against the Lions so there should be plenty of opportunities for Downs as the offense tries to keep pace with Detroit. With five catches in six of nine games played and the clear No. 1 receiver, the former third-round draft pick has a pretty reliable floor. The second-year pro sets up as a back-end WR2 this week with some small upside given his ability to find the zone (four TDs in 2024).

Friday, November 22, 4:55 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder) returned to practice on Friday, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. This is a great sign, as McConkey was listed as a DNP during Thursday's initial session. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Saturday's practice, as it will likely provide some clarity on his availability for Monday's game. McConkey sustained this injury during last Sunday's victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. In this game, the Georgia product posted a season-high 123 yards off six receptions. If McConkey can suit up on Monday, he should be viewed as a must-start option facing a Baltimore secondary that has allowed the most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.