Who Should I Start? Michael Pittman Jr. or Josh Downs

Sunday, December 28, 2:04 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (calf) was able to return to Sunday's AFC South clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars after being designated as questionable. The veteran caught one of his two targets before leaving the game with discomfort in his leg, but he returned later in the first half. Pittman quickly developed chemistry with starter Daniel Jones (Achilles), which led to eight top-25 finishes among PPR receivers in the first 13 games of the season, but he has taken a backseat in the weeks since Jones was lost for the year. From a fantasy perspective, he's difficult to rely upon with the Colts playing out the string.

Saturday, December 27, 2:34 PM

Across 14 games this season, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has recorded 52 receptions for 471 yards and four touchdowns on 79 targets. With an average of just 9.1 yards per reception, Downs lacks big-play upside. However, he's been a steady target-earner, recording at least five targets in six out of his last seven games. In Week 16, his second game this season playing with veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, Downs tied his season high with nine targets and hauled in five catches for 65 yards against the San Francisco 49ers. In Week 17, Downs and the Colts will face the Jacksonville Jaguars. Entering the week, Jacksonville's defense ranks 18th in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (3,492) and 27th in passing touchdowns allowed (26). The Jaguars held Downs to four catches for 23 yards on five in the first matchup of the season between the two teams in Week 14. Downs profiles as a high-floor, low-ceiling flex option for fantasy managers in Week 17 against Jacksonville.