Who Should I Start? Kenny Pickett or Josh Downs

Sunday, April 13, 4:15 PM

On Saturday, Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that the plan is for him to be the team's starting quarterback in 2025. "I'm not going there to hang out. I want to go play. I'm excited, been working hard for it, taking it a day at a time." Pickett looked to be on his way to the starting gig with the news that teammate Deshaun Watson (Achilles) could miss all of next season after rupturing his Achilles tendon again. Now, he'll incur some competition courtesy of veteran Joe Flacco. The 26-year-old struggled during his two-year stint as a Steeler but gained valuable experience with the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl run in 2024. Pickett will be awarded the starting job if he can beat out the aging veteran. Still, it isn't a foregone conclusion that the Browns won't continue to add arms with uncertainty surrounding Watson's status. The Cleveland QB situation will be one to monitor.

Sunday, January 5, 8:52 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught 10 of his 13 targets for 94 yards during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts' passing attack has seen a significant boost ever since quarterback Joe Flacco took over for the injured Anthony Richardson (back), but Downs truly took his productivity to the next level during Sunday's season finale. He finishes the 2024 campaign with 72 catches, 803 yards, and five touchdowns. Each of these three marks represented season-highs, topping the totals he delivered as a rookie last year. Downs has firmly established himself as an appealing 1B option with the Colts, pairing nicely alongside their 1A receiver, Michael Pittman Jr. The UNC product will rank as a high-end WR3 when 2025 fantasy football drafts kick off next summer, and he has even greater appeal in dynasty leagues.