Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Omar Cooper Jr.


Week 1 Projections

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0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Josh Downs News

Josh Downs to See an Expanded Role and More Targets in 2026

Monday, June 22, 5:13 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has predominantly been used out of the slot through his first three seasons in the league, but following the departure of Michael Pittman Jr. via trade to the Steelers, the 5'9" former third-round pick could be moved all over the formation. The Colts committed $84 million in guaranteed money to presumed number one receiver Alec Pierce following a career year in 2025, but behind him, the table is set for Downs to step into an expanded role. Downs was seen lined up on the outside throughout mandatory minicamp, routinely making plays regardless of which quarterback was running the offense, and head coach Shane Steichen told reporters, "I think Downs, his role will step up a little bit more - more targets for him." The 24-year-old Downs is RotoBaller's WR44 for 2026, and, set to reach free agency in 2027, he could be the next Colts receiver to see a massive payday.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Omar Cooper Jr. News

Omar Cooper Jr. a Long-Term Investment in the First Round of Rookie Drafts

Sunday, May 31, 8:49 AM

When the New York Jets traded back into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. with the 30th overall pick, they landed a versatile wide receiver with some of the best tackle-breaking ability in the class. While Cooper no doubt has the talents to make an immediate impact on an NFL field, dynasty managers spending a later first-round rookie pick on him may need to exercise patience to see that impact consistently translate to fantasy success. While New York's offense is trending in the right direction, the operation will be run in 2026 by a soon-to-be-35-year-old Geno Smith, whose 34.1 QBR in 2025 ranked 31st out of all qualified starting quarterbacks. After missing 10 games with a knee sprain, Garrett Wilson and his career 9.1 targets per game are expected back and healthy, and with the Jets spending the 16th pick of the draft on tight end Kenyon Sadiq, Cooper faces direct competition for the short-area, middle-of-the-field looks that made him so valuable to Indiana's National Title-winning offense. Cooper has fantasy-friendly tools and could eventually be used as the Jets' version of a Deebo Samuel Sr. or Rashee Rice, but as RotoBaller's rookie WR5, he projects as more of a long-term investment than the players going ahead of him in rookie drafts.


Josh Downs vs. Omar Cooper Jr.

Still trying to decide between Downs and Cooper Jr.? 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 0.0 points this week while Omar Cooper Jr. is projected to score 0.0 points.