Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Ricky Pearsall

Saturday, October 4, 11:13 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is off to a quiet start to the season. The veteran slot receiver has caught just 14 passes for 121 scoreless yards through four games as he has taken a back seat to Michael Pittman Jr. and Tyler Warren in the passing attack. Downs has hope for a breakout game in Week 5, however, as he will face off against a Las Vegas Raiders defense that is allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts through four games. It is understandable if fantasy managers aren't ready to trust Downs due to his slow start, but this is the week to start him as a solid flex option in PPR leagues thanks to the excellent matchup.

Wednesday, October 1, 4:31 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Rams, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Pearsall was already questionable while managing a knee injury heading into Week 3's matchup against the Jaguars, and then he left the game in the third quarter. He was testing it out on the sidelines and was ultimately able to return to the game, but had to shut it down after one snap. The short week made it unlikely for Pearsall to turn around and recover fast enough. But it does give him a longer period to rest, leading into Week 6. The San Francisco wide receiver room has been decimated by injury, leaving Kendrick Bourne as a potential target if you are desperate.