Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Rashid Shaheed

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.

Friday, November 14, 7:13 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Rashid Shaheed could see his involvement increase in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams. Seattle will be without wide receiver Tory Horton (groin/shin) in this game. Horton is Seattle's other deep-play threat who could threaten Shaheed's touches. Shaheed was only on the field for 34% of the Seahawks' offensive snaps in Week 11. Part of that was likely due to the game script removing the need for additional offensive output as Seattle was dominating the Cardinals. Still, Seattle was intentional with trying to get Shaheed the ball. He garnered three targets, including a couple of plays clearly schemed for him. The Rams are near the top of the league in defending all facets of the game. However, all Shaheed needs is one big play to make his fantasy day. Ironically, Shaheed just faced the Rams in Week 9 as a member of the New Orleans Saints. He reeled in five catches for 68 targets for a solid fantasy day. As such, Shaheed could be a solid dart throw if you are in dire straits at the wide receiver position.