Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Josh Downs

Saturday, December 6, 9:17 AM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin had an excellent performance in his return to action in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos after missing significant time due to a quadriceps injury. McLaurin recorded seven receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown while matching a career high with 14 targets. Star quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will return on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, and his dynamic skill set should provide a boost to McLaurin and the entire Washington offense. The 30-year-old wideout has been riddled by injury this season, playing in just five games while recording 20 receptions for 299 yards and two touchdowns on 35 targets, with both touchdowns coming in his past two games. It's a tougher matchup on Sunday against a Vikings defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards per game, but McLaurin figures to be heavily involved again. He ranks as RotoBaller's WR22 in PPR leagues in Week 14.

Wednesday, December 10, 12:17 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs hasn't been a big fantasy factor this season, recording 44 receptions for 393 yards and three touchdowns on 65 targets. After a promising sophomore campaign last year, Downs hasn't been emphasized with three other talented pass-catchers in the Colts' offense, plus a lean towards the run with a superstar back Jonathan Taylor. With quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) out for the season and 44-year-old Philip Rivers expected to be the team's starter moving forward, it's possible that Downs' opportunities will increase with Rivers primarily operating in the short area of the field. The 24-year-old's fantasy upside is still capped while being limited to routes in three-wide receiver sets. Downs still profiles as a deep-league flex option for a tough Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but his floor is probably lower now with Jones done for the year.