Start Or Sit Josh Downs? Week 2 Fantasy Football Advice & Points Projection

3 min read Post on Sep 15, 2025

Start or Sit Josh Downs? Week 2 Fantasy Football Advice & Points Projection

Is Colts rookie Josh Downs a Week 2 fantasy football starter or should you leave him on your bench? We break down the factors to help you make the crucial decision.

Week 2 of the fantasy football season is upon us, and with it comes a flurry of tough decisions. One particularly tricky call for many fantasy managers involves Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver, Josh Downs. After a quiet debut in Week 1, should you start Downs or leave him on the bench? Let's dive into the data and projections to help you decide.

Downs' Week 1 Performance: A Closer Look

Downs' first NFL game wasn't the breakout performance many fantasy owners had hoped for. He saw limited targets, resulting in a modest stat line that likely left many feeling disappointed. However, it's crucial to avoid overreacting to a single game, especially for a rookie adjusting to the professional level. Several factors could have contributed to his quiet debut, including game script and the Colts' offensive game plan.

Factors to Consider Before Starting or Sitting Downs

Before making your decision, consider these key factors:

Target Share: Monitor Downs' target share in practice and pre-game reports. An increase in targets is a strong indicator of potential fantasy production.
Opponent Matchup: Week 2's opponent presents a different challenge. Analyze their secondary's strengths and weaknesses to assess Downs' potential for success. A favorable matchup significantly increases his value.
Anthony Richardson's Development: The Colts' quarterback situation is crucial. How well Richardson connects with Downs will directly impact his fantasy output. Look for signs of improved chemistry between the two.
Injury Report: Always check the official injury report before making your lineup decisions. Any injury, even a minor one, could significantly impact Downs' performance.

Points Projection for Week 2

Predicting points accurately is difficult, but based on his Week 1 performance, the projected target share, and the opponent's defense, we can offer a tentative projection. Currently, a conservative projection for Josh Downs in Week 2 sits around 6-8 fantasy points in PPR leagues. This projection is subject to change based on the factors mentioned above.

Our Recommendation: A Cautious Approach

While Downs possesses undeniable talent and potential, we lean towards sitting him in Week 2 for most fantasy leagues. His Week 1 performance, coupled with the inherent uncertainty surrounding rookie wide receivers, suggests a wait-and-see approach. Starting him carries more risk than reward at this stage.

However, this is not a definitive "sit" recommendation. If you are in a deeper league or have a particularly weak WR corps, the risk might be worth the reward. Consider your roster depth and overall team situation before making the final call.

Looking Ahead: Downs' Long-Term Fantasy Outlook

Despite the cautious approach for Week 2, Downs' long-term fantasy prospects remain promising. His skillset and the Colts' need for a reliable slot receiver suggest a significant role in the offense as the season progresses. Keep a close eye on his performance and target share in the coming weeks. He could easily become a valuable fantasy asset as he gains more experience and establishes chemistry with Richardson.

Remember to check for updated news and injury reports before kickoff. Good luck in Week 2!

(Disclaimer: This article provides fantasy football advice based on available information and projections. Fantasy football outcomes are unpredictable, and this advice should not be considered financial or professional guidance.)