Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Josh Downs


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
16.8 0.6 0.0 6.1 82.4 0.4

Justin Jefferson News

Justin Jefferson Impressed With his New QB

Monday, August 24, 1:34 PM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson always knew about quarterback Kyler Murray's athleticism, but he told The Athletic that he has come away impressed with his new QB's arm talent. "But his throwing ability is also something that has really, really surprised me. While he was in Arizona, I didn't really keep track and pay attention to his arm talent. And seeing the different type of throws he's making, where he's throwing the ball, it's been really, really surprising me," Jefferson said. The 27-year-old All-Pro wideout will be working with a new signal-caller for the fourth straight season, but Murray arguably has the most talent at the position, and he and Jefferson have been clicking and building chemistry all offseason. Jefferson had a down year in 2025, but he still managed 84 receptions for 1,048 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games played. Murray should give Jefferson and the rest of Minnesota's offense more stability, and he clearly has the arm strength to hit the four-time Pro Bowler deep down the field. In his seventh NFL season, Jefferson has the potential to finish as the overall WR1 in 2026 if everything goes right.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
10.3 0.5 0.0 4.3 44.6 0.2

Josh Downs News

Josh Downs Misses Practice With Undisclosed Injury

Tuesday, August 25, 12:28 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (undisclosed) did not take part in Tuesday's training camp practice due to an undisclosed injury, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. It is unclear what Downs is dealing with at the moment and how long he might be out, but details on his situation should emerge sooner rather than later. The Colts were also missing tight end Tyler Warren (groin) and receiver Alece Pierce (ankle), who remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list. The 25-year-old Downs has stood out this summer in practices as the team's WR1 without Pierce available, so if his latest injury isn't serious, he will have an opportunity for the biggest role he's had on offense in his short time in the NFL with the Colts. Downs disappointed in Year 3 in 2025 with career lows in catches (58), targets (88), and receiving yards (566) while scoring four times in 16 games played. But with Michael Pittman Jr. out of town and Pierce potentially being eased back early on, Downs could get off to a strong start and never look back. Consider him an under-the-radar WR3/flex target in upcoming fantasy drafts as RotoBaller's No. 39-ranked receiver in 2026.


Justin Jefferson vs. Josh Downs

Still trying to decide between Jefferson and Downs? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Justin Jefferson is projected to score 16.8 points this week while Josh Downs is projected to score 10.3 points.