Anthony Richardson has shown he can throw the football down the field, but which Indianapolis Colts wide receiver should be your preferred start in Week 5? Let’s dig in.
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Michael Pittman Jr. Fantasy Outlook this Week
Michael Pittman Jr. is the No. 1 receiver for the Colts and ranks as a WR1 in our fantasy football rankings. Pittman is averaging six to seven catches for 60+ yards per game, and if you take out his one-catch game last week, these numbers climb to eight catches for approximately 80 yards per game.
Pittman faces the 24th-ranked defense against fantasy wide receivers in the Tennessee Titans, and the game script here should be manageable. I see Pittman as a plug-and-play WR2 with WR1 upside and little downside.
Josh Downs Fantasy Outlook this Week
Josh Downs is a talented 2023 third-round draft pick out of North Carolina who is starting to establish himself as the No. 2 receiver for the Colts. Downs faces the same Titans defense that is friendly to opposing wide receivers.
I predict a line of three to five catches for 30-50 yards and a decent chance at a touchdown. Downs is a potential Flex play or WR4 if your league is deep enough, but there is risk. He has a high upside but carries a low floor as well.
Which of the Colts Wide Receivers Should You Start?
Jonathan Taylor is eligible to return in Week 5, and for the record, I don’t see him ever playing for the Colts again. But I do not see this as a factor in the decision between Pittman vs. Downs.
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Zack Moss had done a great job imitating Taylor’s production capability, and I see the Colts’ offense looking the same even if Taylor returns. This adds up to starting Pittman over Josh Downs. Even if you are the underdog in your matchup and need a homerun play, I would still go with Pittman.