Who Should I Start? Mike Evans or Josh Downs


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
11.8 0.0 0.0 3.8 54.2 0.4

Mike Evans News

Mike Evans Not Listed on 49ers Week 1 Injury Report

Tuesday, September 8, 4:10 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans is not listed on the team's initial injury report ahead of its season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. Evans dealt with a groin injury during training camp, but the veteran wideout said it wasn't serious, and he appears to be a full-go for the start of the regular season. Evans is entering his age-33 season and missed nine games in 2025 due to hamstring and collarbone injuries. Even ahead of his first season with the 49ers, Evans has little to prove in training camp practices, so it makes sense that the team would be extra cautious with him over the summer. Evans remained a productive player when healthy last season, recording 30 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns on 62 targets across eight games. He profiles as a high-end WR3 option for fantasy managers entering 2026.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
10.9 0.3 0.0 4.4 48.2 0.3

Josh Downs News

Josh Downs Looks Well-Positioned for a Resurgent Season in Indianapolis

Saturday, September 5, 5:21 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs had a down year in 2025, setting career lows in targets (88), receptions (58), and receiving yards (566). The offseason has been a roller coaster ride for his fantasy value, as Downs' stock appeared to be trending up following the Colts' trade of veteran star wideout Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Then, Indianapolis signed veteran slot receiver Keenan Allen, throwing Downs' role in the team's offense back into question. Downs has also battled back and calf injuries this summer, limiting his availability for stretches of training camp. However, Downs has returned to practice and looks like he will be ready to go for the start of the regular season. The Colts wide receiver room outside of Downs also has questions, as Allen was recently arrested and charged with DUI, and top wideout Alec Pierce (ankle) has missed most of the summer while he recovers from ankle surgery. All in all, Downs profiles as a sleeper target in fantasy drafts ahead of what could be a resurgent season.


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 11.8 points this week while Josh Downs is projected to score 10.9 points.