Who Should I Start? Mike Evans or Josh Downs

START

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
11.6 0.0 0.0 3.8 53.6 0.4

Mike Evans News

Mike Evans Misses Practice With Quad Strain

Monday, August 3, 10:24 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (quadriceps) did not practice Monday because of a quad strain, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. The team has not announced when the injury occurred or how long Evans is expected to be sidelined. San Francisco signed the six-time Pro Bowler to a three-year deal in March after he spent his first 12 NFL seasons with Tampa Bay. Evans was limited to eight games in 2025, finishing with 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns. Before last season, he had opened his career with 11 straight 1,000-yard campaigns. The 49ers have no reason to push the 32-year-old veteran through a soft-tissue injury early in camp, but the lack of a timetable makes his next practice status worth watching. Evans' fantasy outlook remains unchanged for now, though a longer absence would become more concerning as the preseason approaches.

BENCH

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

Josh Downs a Favorite Target for Jones

Sunday, August 2, 5:13 AM

In what was a productive day for the Indianapolis Colts offense on Saturday, wide receiver Josh Downs stood out as a favorite target for quarterback Daniel Jones. Downs caught four passes and a touchdown during competitive 11-on-11 work, and was consistently open while running crisp routes and standing out from the rest of the receiver group, according to beat reporter Andrew Moore. With Alec Pierce still not practicing after undergoing offseason ankle surgery, Downs ran with Ashton Dulin and Laquon Treadwell in three-receiver sets, and as the only true lock from that trio to see regular work on game days, the fourth-year veteran took advantage of the opportunity to further develop his chemistry with Jones. The early days of camp indicate that Downs will see an expanded role in 2026, making him one of the better potential values in the middle rounds of drafts, and he is RotoBaller's WR42.

Mike Evans vs. Josh Downs

Still trying to decide between Evans and Downs? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Mike Evans is projected to score 11.6 points this week while Josh Downs is projected to score 10.3 points.