Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Josh Downs


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
15.7 0.4 0.0 5.7 76.2 0.4

Justin Jefferson News

Justin Jefferson's Down Year Gives Dynasty Contenders an Opening

Thursday, July 16, 12:07 PM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson did not suddenly stop being an elite dynasty asset because 2025 went sideways. The touchdowns vanished. He scored only twice, and Minnesota cycled through J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer while Jefferson finished with 84 catches for 1,048 yards on 141 targets. It was his worst full season, yet he still cleared 1,000 yards for the sixth time in six years. One season earlier, he posted 103 receptions, 1,533 yards, and 10 scores. The quarterback question remains, with McCarthy and Kyler Murray headed for a camp battle, while Jauan Jennings joins Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson in a deeper group of pass-catchers. None of that changes the larger point. Jefferson turned 27 in June, remains under contract through 2028, and sits fourth in RotoBaller's dynasty wide receiver rankings. He will cost plenty. For a contender with depth to spare, though, this is the rare moment to see whether a frustrated manager will move him. Rebuilders should hold unless the return includes another cornerstone asset.


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

Colts Want to Get Josh Downs Involved in Many Formations

Tuesday, July 28, 10:02 AM

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen told The Coachspeak Index that the team wants to get wide receiver Josh Downs involved in multiple formations in 2026. "Getting him involved any way we can, whether it's in 12 personnel -- obviously, he plays a lot in the slot in 11 personnel. But just trying to find different ways to get him the ball," Steichen said. The 24-year-old pass-catcher's fantasy stock is on the rise this summer with veteran Michael Pittman Jr. now in Pittsburgh and with Alec Pierce (ankle) starting training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Downs, a third-rounder in 2023 from North Carolina, took a step back in 2025 with a 58-566-4 line in 16 games in his third season in the league after a career year in 2024 in which he caught 72 of his 107 targets for 803 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games. Another breakout could be coming for Downs if QB Daniel Jones (Achilles) makes a successful return, making him an attractive WR4/flex target as a sleeper in upcoming fantasy football drafts.


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 15.7 points this week while Josh Downs is projected to score 10.3 points.