Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Josh Downs

Tuesday, November 11, 10:12 AM

Coming off a frustrating loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson vowed to improve following a rare quiet game. Jefferson was targeted 12 times, but caught only four for 37 yards. A number of factors led to Minnesota's struggles, most notably eight false start penalties that had the offense playing from behind most of the day. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the NFL's youngest starter at age 22, has been inconsistent, but the Vikings saw promise in two near-connections with Jefferson. On the first, McCarthy saw Baltimore's zero coverage and heaved a deep ball to Jefferson, who lost his footing with incidental contact, leading to an interception. The star receiver also nearly caught a touchdown on an accurate ball in traffic that would have been a tough catch, but he said he views it as his job to "make the 50-50 opportunity catches look 70-30," according to The Athletic. For fantasy managers, Jefferson is a must-start player every week, but the Vikings look like they're going to be erratic as they weather McCarthy's growing pains.

Tuesday, November 11, 7:14 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught just one of his two targets for a three-yard gain in a 31-25 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin in Week 10. Downs was surprisingly quiet in the win as the Colts leaned on Tyler Warren and Alec Pierce in the passing attack. The veteran slot receiver saw a three-game touchdown streak come to an end, as well, in the contest. Overall, Downs has caught 36 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns in nine games this season. He will be on bye in Week 11 before an important road matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12.