Who Should I Start? Kenny Pickett or Josh Downs

Thursday, March 13, 2:37 PM

Veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Cleveland Browns this week in a deal that sent Dorian Thompson-Robinson to Philly. Pickett is now back in the AFC North after spending his first two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former first-round pick said he views himself as a starter with his new organization. The 26-year-old has a 15-10 record as a starter behind 4,765 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions with the Steelers and Eagles. With Deshaun Watson (Achilles) unlikely to play in 2025, there's a real chance Pickett will compete for the starting job, but the Browns are likely to add more competition via free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft.

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.