Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Puka Nacua

Saturday, November 15, 12:41 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs saw a massive reduction in snaps and targets during his last game against the Atlanta Falcons. In Berlin, Downs played a mere 43 percent of the Colts' offensive snaps, converting two targets into one catch for three yards. The 24-year-old impressed as the WR35 in PPR leagues last season, but he has taken a step backward this year. He ranks outside the top 40 receivers and can no longer be trusted on a week-to-week basis. One reason for Downs' struggles is the increased competition around him. Indy is leaning on the run more than usual given Jonathan Taylor's success, and they've also gotten exceptional contributions from Tyler Warren, Michael Pittman Jr., and Alec Pierce. This has left Downs as somewhat of the odd man out. We do expect him to command more than two targets per game going forward, but he's not startable for the time being. Managers should leave Downs on the bench when the Colts return from their bye in Week 12.

Saturday, November 15, 11:51 AM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua should continue to be deployed as a WR1 in all fantasy football leagues ahead of his Week 11 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Outside of a brief injury blip a handful of weeks ago, Nacua has been a high-end WR1 every week, producing 66 catches for 775 receiving yards and four touchdowns so far. He ranks as the #4 wide receiver in total fantasy points this year, and he's tied with Rashee Rice for #1 in fantasy points per game. This week's matchup against Seattle is noticeably tough, as the Seahawks have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025. Nevertheless, Nacua is one of those players who you put in your lineup and forget he's there. He should be started as a high-end WR1 every week, and Week 11 is no exception.