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FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast fantasy football takes on Josh Downs
Every source-backed podcast insight STACKED has extracted from FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast about Josh Downs.
47
Insights
28
Positive
12
Negative
Insight ledger
All FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast insights about Josh Downs
NegativeMatchupOct 23, 2026
Downs is faded in a flex decision against the Vikings; he has not scored a touchdown and has posted fewer than 50 yards in three consecutive games; the Vikings defense has given up the third-fewest points to slot receivers, making this a poor matchup despite slot receivers typically being hot routes against blitz-heavy defenses.NegativeProjectionOct 22, 2026
Josh Downs has not been good this year by any measure. He's being thrust into an elevated role but hasn't delivered. He had a bad game with a couple of drops and almost scored a touchdown on an end-around but got hit at the one-yard line. The speaker feels silly for ranking Josh Downs as high as he did in draft rankings. Against the Minnesota Vikings defense, which is an absolute gauntlet, the speaker would not chase these 11-12 targets with Josh Downs.NegativeRoleOct 19, 2026
Josh Downs has disappointed so far this season; with Tyler Warren now out, the middle of the Colts offense clears for him, which should theoretically create an uptick in opportunity; however, Daniel Jones and the overall Colts offense are not performing well, and the offense is essentially Jonathan Taylor and nobody else, limiting Downs' ceiling despite improved opportunity.PositiveMatchupOct 17, 2026
Josh Downs has a favorable matchup against Tennessee, which has given up the second-most yards per target and fantasy points per opportunity to slot receivers. Downs is ranked WR24 in ECR and has an 11.1-yard average depth of target (well above his career norm), close to 30% air yard share, and an 85% route participation rate. Despite recent struggles (3 catches in each of his last two games), he had 149 yards and 12 catches in weeks 2-3 and should bounce back against a Titans slot defense allowing 17.4 PPR points per game to slot receivers (12th most in the league).PositiveProjectionOct 17, 2026
Josh Downs is ranked back-to-back with Carnell Cade in ECR for Week 6 and is preferred over Cade in this matchup against the Titans.PositiveProjectionOct 16, 2026
Preferred over Emeka Egbuka despite recent quiet weeks (3 for 16 vs Commanders, 3 for 47 vs Steelers); peripherals are encouraging with 85.3% route participation, 29.4% air yard share, and 11.1 yard average depth of target (well above career norms); expected to get on track soon, possibly this week against Titans who give up 17.4 PPR points per game to slot receivers.NegativeProjectionOct 15, 2026
Josh Downs is ranked among the bottom half of the WR2 tier on the big board for Week 6.NegativeProjectionOct 9, 2026
Downs is ranked too high at WR23. The source is concerned about Daniel Jones's poor play and the Steelers' defensive strength against slot receivers.PositiveValueOct 8, 2026
Despite a disappointing Week 4, Downs remains a key cog in the Colts' passing game, having recorded 20 targets in Weeks 2 and 3; he is a preferred start over Carnell Tate.NegativeRoleOct 8, 2026
Downs is a middling WR3 who continues to see consistent route participation but is hampered by a 72% slot usage rate in an offense with a struggling quarterback. Erickson notes the Steelers' defense is particularly effective against slot receivers, making this a difficult matchup. His value could improve if Keenan Allen returns, potentially shifting Downs to the perimeter.PositiveValueOct 7, 2026
Downs is a buy candidate despite a poor outing against Washington. He remains a full-time player running all the routes, and with injury concerns surrounding Keenan Allen and Alec Pierce, the Colts' passing game should flow through him.NegativeProjectionOct 5, 2026
The source gives Josh Downs a panic rating of 5 out of 10, suggesting a neutral outlook for his immediate fantasy performance.PositiveProjectionOct 3, 2026
The source projects Josh Downs to go over 62.5 receiving yards against the Commanders, noting his role as a full-time player who runs the most routes on the team. Over the last two weeks, he has averaged a team-high 2.4 yards per route run on a 33% target share. The Commanders' defense is highlighted as a favorable matchup, allowing a league-high 46.7 fantasy points per game to receivers.PositiveValueOct 3, 2026
Josh Downs is recommended as a trade target due to his favorable cost-to-equity ratio compared to Malik Nabers. His average depth of target (aDOT) has improved, and he has a strong matchup in Week 4.PositiveValueOct 1, 2026
Josh Downs is a strong buy-low candidate despite underwhelming recent production against tough defenses like the Chiefs and Texans. His role has evolved significantly with Alec Pierce out, shifting to a more vertical usage with an average depth of target (aDOT) of 11.5 yards compared to his previous career baseline of 7.2. He leads the Colts with a 25.5% target share (11th among WRs) and a 44% air yard share. A favorable matchup against the Commanders makes him a high-upside start.PositiveValueSep 29, 2026
Tara Roberts recommends buying Josh Downs, noting he is the Colts' WR1 for the foreseeable future. Despite the perception of the team and Daniel Jones, Downs has seen high target volume (9 and 11 targets in the last two games) and has maintained a high floor against tough secondaries. His price remains reasonable, and his schedule is expected to open up, providing more ceiling opportunities.PositiveUsageSep 25, 2026
The Colts need to find ways to get the ball to Tyler Warren and Josh Downs to help spread out the defense.NegativeUsageSep 25, 2026
Josh Downs is highlighted for his high separation score and target volume, but the source worries the Colts' offense will struggle to move the ball without other threats, potentially limiting Downs to a low-ceiling, high-reception role.PositiveUsageSep 24, 2026
Downs is a high-upside WR3. He saw a 27.3% target share in Week 2, doubled his Week 1 volume, and leads the NFL in separation score. While the source acknowledges concerns about the Colts' passing efficiency, his full-time role (83% snaps) and route participation make him a prime candidate for a breakout game against the Texans.PositiveValueSep 23, 2026
Josh Downs is a strong buy-low candidate who has transitioned into a full-time role, leading the Colts in target share (27.3%) and routes run in Week 2. Despite the addition of Keenan Allen, Downs remains the focal point of the passing game, especially with Alec Pierce sidelined by a heel injury. He is a high-efficiency separator and a top-24 WR candidate rest-of-season.NegativeProjectionSep 12, 2026
A.j. Brown. Like will not start Josh Downs in any league, citing the Ravens defense expected to be good quickly with Jesse Minter, and expecting a nastier, lower-scoring game between Baltimore and the opposing team.NegativeInjuryAug 29, 2026
Derek Brown expresses significant concern regarding Josh Downs' inability to stay healthy, noting recurring issues with his groin and calf, and concludes he is not a player he feels good about drafting.PositiveValueAug 29, 2026
Despite concerns regarding the additions of Alec Pierce and Keenan Allen, the source believes Downs' ADP has slipped too far. He is viewed as a strong value, with the analysts suggesting he should be drafted about two rounds ahead of his current WR45 ADP, placing him in a cluster with Wan'Dale Robinson and Jakobi Meyers.PositiveUsageAug 29, 2026
Josh Downs is positioned for a breakout as he takes over the high-volume, short-to-intermediate role previously held by Michael Pittman. Despite the addition of Keenan Allen, the Colts are utilizing Downs in two-receiver sets and outside alignments, expanding his usage beyond the slot. With Alec Pierce dealing with ankle issues and Pittman's 111 targets vacated, Downs is a reliable target at his current WR40-45 ADP.NegativeDepth ChartAug 28, 2026
In a 12-team dynasty league soft reset where a team owner must cut three players and keep seven, the owner states they are 'cutting Josh Downs,' indicating Downs is the first player to be cut from their keeper list.PositiveValueAug 22, 2026
The source argues that the market is writing off Josh Downs too soon, viewing him as a valuable bench wide receiver despite concerns about target competition from Keenan Allen.NegativeInjuryAug 22, 2026
Josh Downs has been dealing with an injury, and Andrew Erickson suggests he could be relegated to a part-time slot role if the Colts' offense shifts following the signing of Keenan Allen.NegativeRoleAug 21, 2026
Derek Brown dropped Josh Downs to WR56, projecting that once Alec Pierce returns, Downs will be relegated to a part-time slot role, similar to his usage last season.PositiveUsageAug 21, 2026
Jaden Higgins notes that with Tyler Warren's injury, Josh Downs may see an increase in target share.NegativeRoleAug 19, 2026
Derek Brown and Scott Bogman agree that the signing of Keenan Allen hurts Josh Downs' fantasy outlook. Downs struggled as a perimeter receiver last year (84th in route win rate) and is best suited for the slot; the team is unlikely to move him outside, making him more of a late-round dart throw than a reliable WR4/5.PositiveRoleAug 12, 2026
The source is high on Josh Downs, noting he is now locked into 12-personnel sets, unlike previous seasons where he was the odd man out. With Alec Pierce's injury, Downs could start the season as the Colts' primary target, potentially commanding a 22-25% target share. The source suggests he should be ranked in the same tier as Chris Godwin.NegativeInjuryAug 12, 2026
Josh Downs is currently dealing with an injury during training camp, which is impacting his status.PositiveUsageAug 10, 2026
Tara Roberts identifies Josh Downs as a critical late-round target. With Michael Pittman gone and Alec Pierce dealing with a significant injury, Downs has a clear path to lead the Colts in targets. Despite his own minor camp injury, he is expected to be a steady producer and a reliable flex option who can significantly outperform his WR42 ECR.PositiveUsageAug 9, 2026
Shane Steichen intends to increase Josh Downs' involvement across all personnel groupings. Downs consistently earns high targets per route run, comparable to elite young receivers like Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, but has been limited by low usage in 12 personnel.PositiveSleeperAug 9, 2026
Alfredo Brown ranks Downs as his WR38, targeting him in the ninth round as a high-upside sleeper. Despite previous usage limitations and inconsistent QB play, Downs showed WR2 production when paired with Joe Flacco. With Shane Steichen explicitly stating a need to get Downs more involved, he is a prime candidate to outperform his WR42 ADP.PositiveValueJul 17, 2026
Josh Downs' current price is acceptable as a potential beneficiary of Pierce being out in the Colts offense.PositiveValueJul 16, 2026
Downs is a 10th-round value with potential for 100+ targets and 10.5 fantasy points per game, offering wide receiver 3 floor with upside as a potential target leader if Alec Pierce misses time.NegativeBreakoutJul 3, 2026
Downs at ECR 113 becomes an easy buy after the Pittman trade opens up significant target volume. Tom notes the distance between Downs and the WR3 (Ashton Doolin) is massive. Last year Downs played only 62% of snaps (vs. Pittman and Pierce above 80%) but drew targets at 0.24 per route run—the highest on the Colts. Even in a perceived down year, he had 84 targets. Removing Pittman opens up considerable targets; while some go to Tyler Warren (expected second-year jump), the areas Downs excels in will work well without Pittman. Main concern is potential Keenan Allen signing, but Tom is not avoiding Downs in June/July over speculation.NegativeRoleJul 1, 2026
Downs faces significant target-share risk if the Colts sign Keenan Allen; Allen showed last year he could still play, making him a legitimate threat to Downs' opportunities in Indianapolis. The source notes this would hurt Downs alongside other Colts receivers.PositiveRoleJun 29, 2026
The source took Josh Downs in the eighth round as a wide receiver four and flex, noting he should see more opportunity with Michael Pittman out. Downs is WR23 in targets per route run over his rookie contract. The Colts are favored in only six games, so the source expects more passing volume. Volatility exists with Daniel Jones' health (Achilles injury on plant foot, similar to Kirk Cousins' struggles), but Downs benefits if Alec Pierce is not 100% to start. The source also notes Downs fell later than expected and shouldn't have dropped where he did, representing good value.PositiveUsageJun 25, 2026
Josh Downs is identified by Tony Ayo as a really talented underrated player who will compete for targets in the Colts passing game alongside Alec Pierce and Tyler Warren. Per Tony Ayo: "Josh Downs is a really talented underrated player."PositiveRoleJun 19, 2026
Josh Downs helps Daniel Jones in the short to intermediate passing game, adding dimension to the Colts offense.PositiveRoleJun 19, 2026
Josh Downs helps Daniel Jones in the short to intermediate passing game, providing support for Jones' offensive arsenal.PositiveBreakoutJun 9, 2026
Josh Downs is a year four player who had an impressive rookie year and is expected to have a larger role this season.NegativeRoleNo date
Downs was drafted in the source's best ball lineup as part of a zero RB strategy, indicating he was selected in the middle rounds of the draft.NegativeRoleNo date
Josh Downs is mentioned in the context of tight end evaluation, specifically regarding Tyler Warren's role. The source notes that both Downs and Warren play over the middle of the field, which creates some overlap concern that makes the source 'a little less enthused about Warren' compared to Loveland, though the gap is not substantial.PositiveUsageNo date
Josh Downs has one of the highest target rates per route run in the league and gets open at a really high rate when on the field, making him a primary target for the Colts offense.