Who Should I Start? Stefon Diggs or Josh Downs

Tuesday, January 20, 6:58 PM

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs recorded his first touchdown of the postseason in his team's Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans. However, the 32-year-old has posted underwhelming production overall so far this playoffs, hauling in six catches for 56 yards and a score on 11 targets across two games played. Diggs has also remained limited from a playing time perspective, playing 63% of New England's offensive snaps in the Wild Card Round against the Los Angeles Chargers and just 55% of the offensive snaps against Houston. While Diggs should get his chances in the AFC Championship Game, he may continue to struggle with efficiency. Denver finished the regular season ranked second among NFL defenses in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.1). The Broncos might also deploy All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II on Diggs, which could be problematic for the veteran wideout. Fantasy managers may want to be cautious with Diggs in the AFC Championship Game.

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.