Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Parker Washington

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.

Monday, January 6, 11:47 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington salvaged his fantasy day with a touchdown in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Washington finished with just two catches for 15 yards and a nine-touchdown. The young receiver has been inconsistent ever since taking over at receiver for the injured Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis. He surpassed 100 yards back in Week 13 against the Houston Texans when Mac Jones first took over at QB. However, since then he has struggled to consistently produce, always outshined by the talented Brian Thomas Jr. Washington does seem like a decent red zone threat at least, scoring each of the last two weeks. Washington could turn into a decent flex option if he becomes a consistent starter in the 2025 NFL season.