Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Matthew Golden

Saturday, December 27, 2:34 PM

Across 14 games this season, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has recorded 52 receptions for 471 yards and four touchdowns on 79 targets. With an average of just 9.1 yards per reception, Downs lacks big-play upside. However, he's been a steady target-earner, recording at least five targets in six out of his last seven games. In Week 16, his second game this season playing with veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, Downs tied his season high with nine targets and hauled in five catches for 65 yards against the San Francisco 49ers. In Week 17, Downs and the Colts will face the Jacksonville Jaguars. Entering the week, Jacksonville's defense ranks 18th in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (3,492) and 27th in passing touchdowns allowed (26). The Jaguars held Downs to four catches for 23 yards on five in the first matchup of the season between the two teams in Week 14. Downs profiles as a high-floor, low-ceiling flex option for fantasy managers in Week 17 against Jacksonville.

Friday, January 2, 1:01 PM

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Friday that rookie first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden has a "very bright future" in Green Bay, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. The Packers' coaching staff was singing Golden's praises during training camp and the preseason, too, leading many to believe that a breakout was coming in Year 1 for the Texas alum. It has not happened in 2025, as Golden has been buried in Green Bay's crowded receiver room. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson have missed time with injuries this year, but Golden has just been unable to become a consistent part of the team's passing attack alongside the likes of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks. Golden enters the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings with only 28 catches on the year for 353 yards and zero touchdowns. He has only one target in two of the team's last three games.