Who Should I Start? Mike Williams or Josh Downs

Thursday, July 17, 2:08 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, who was recently placed on the training-camp PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons. The 30-year-old entered the NFL as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Chargers following a stellar career at Clemson. He spent the first seven seasons of his pro career with L.A. before playing for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. Overall, Williams tallied 330 receptions for 5,104 yards and 32 touchdowns. He hangs up his cleats with two 1,000-yard seasons on his resume. Known as a big-play threat, his impact diminished later in his career as he aged and dealt with injury. While he was unlikely to be a significant factor for the Chargers this year, his departure gives Quentin Johnston more breathing room after a slow start to his NFL career.

Saturday, September 13, 8:11 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs will take on the Denver Broncos at home in Week 2. Downs turned in a disappointing Week 1 performance in a win over the Miami Dolphins despite the Colts scoring 33 points, catching just two of three targets for 12 yards. The veteran slot receiver will look to bounce back after that performance, but might have a tough time doing so against an intimidating Broncos secondary. That being said, top Denver cornerback Patrick Surtain II is likely to spend more time on the outside covering Michael Pittman Jr., Adonai Mitchell, and Alec Pierce, which should open things up for Downs in the middle of the field. Downs has some appeal as a dart-throw flex option in PPR leagues, but he is better left on fantasy benches this weekend unless desperate.