Who Should I Start? Stefon Diggs or Josh Downs

Saturday, December 27, 8:34 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs' snap share has been held in check this season. The veteran has been on the field for just 54.2% of the snaps in 2025, which has allowed him to remain productive while also staying fresh and healthy. However, he could be tasked with handling more snaps in Week 17 against the New York Jets, purely out of necessity. New England is dealing with numerous wide receiver injuries; Kayshon Boutte (concussion) is ruled out, Mack Hollins (abdomen) is ruled out, and DeMario Douglas (hamstring) is listed as questionable. Diggs, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism are the Patriots' healthy receivers, and even if Douglas suits up, the Patriots will need all four receivers to handle larger roles. That could mean that Diggs, who caught nine passes for 138 yards on a 59% snap share last week, could get on the field for more than two-thirds of the offensive plays. In theory, more snaps should lead to more targets for Diggs, who could feast against a Jets defense that most recently surrendered 10 catches, 148 yards, and two touchdowns to Chris Olave. The veteran pass-catcher is a strong WR2 option in most fantasy leagues this week.

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.