Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Josh Downs

Tuesday, November 18, 11:33 AM

The Minnesota Vikings have been among the NFL's more disappointing teams in 2025, and superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson said getting back to winning again begins with him. As first-time starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy has struggled, the Vikings have dropped to 4-6. Jefferson was visibly frustrated in a loss to Chicago on Sunday, but said that he aims to lead the turnaround. "As a team, as a captain, as a leader of this team, I have to be the first one out there. I have to be headfirst, leading us into that direction of winning, of being where we need to be," Jefferson said, according to The Athletic. While the Vikings have struggled and Jefferson is having a slightly down year by his standards, he's still the No. 13 overall PPR receiver. With Minnesota looking at a favorable schedule in the fantasy playoffs, managers have good reason to hope for a few big weeks at the best possible time.

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.