Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Rashid Shaheed

Saturday, December 13, 1:01 PM

Across 12 games this season, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has recorded 44 receptions for 393 yards and three touchdowns on 65 targets. Downs has earned at least five targets in four out of his last five contests, but he's failed to crack 50 receiving yards in a game since Week 9. In Week 15, the Colts will turn to 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to replace the injured Daniel Jones (Achilles), who was lost for the season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14. It's hard to project what Rivers will bring to the table for Downs and the Colts' pass-catchers, as Rivers has not played in an NFL game since the 2020 season. One certain thing is that Indianapolis faces a difficult matchup in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. Entering the weekend, Seattle ranks first among NFL defenses in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.0). Between the tough matchup and the Colts' quarterback uncertainty, Downs should likely be avoided by fantasy managers in Week 15.

Friday, December 12, 5:03 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed finally broke out as a member of the Seahawks in Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons. Although his production was buoyed by a punt return for a touchdown, he could carry his six-target momentum into Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts. Shaheed is still hovering around 50% of the offensive snaps, but Seattle seemed to make a point of getting him more involved down the field in Week 14. Shaheed is a talented outside receiver. If he can receive more opportunities down the field rather than as a gadget player, he could be great for this team. The Colts are No. 27 against opposing wide receivers in fantasy. They have simply had issues containing wide receivers despite their addition of cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) at the trade deadline. Gardner is also out for this game If Seattle can continue to feed Shaheed, he could become a fantasy revelation over the final few weeks of the fantasy football playoffs. Keep an eye on Shaheed's production this week and consider throwing him on the back of your bench if you have the space.