During the NFL Draft, new Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen was busy searching for impact players to begin the rebuild of his team. In the third round, he selected wide receiver Josh Downs from the University of North Carolina. And after just three weeks, NFL fans and fantasy football managers alike are seeing what Steichen saw in Downs, who has emerged as a key cog in the Colts’ passing attack.
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Should Josh Downs Be a Fantasy Waiver Wire Add in Week 4?
Downs showed plenty of promise as a prospect, finishing with over 1,000 yards receiving in his final two years in college. His combination of size, skill, and ability made him the ideal selection for a team that was in need of a slot receiver. At the time of the draft, the Colts had little to no depth behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce.
The Colts are much more talented on the offensive side of the ball this year versus previous years, due mostly to the efforts of superstar rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson.
But even without Richardson last Sunday, Downs was able to produce with backup Gardner Minshew starting at quarterback. Richardson missed last week with a concussion, but he is trending in the right direction to return to action in Week 4.
The Colts have only one receiver that has earned 25 targets or more, and that is Pittman with 34. The player with the second most targets is Downs with 24, which is twice as many targets as Pierce.
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Downs has been a steady contributor for his offense, averaging six receptions for 48 yards in every game so far this season. While those aren’t massive numbers, they can give you 10 fantasy points in PPR leagues, which is great production for your third receiver spot or flex position on your roster.
Fantasy managers are already struggling with key injuries affecting wide receivers in fantasy football, including Jaylen Waddle, Mike Williams, Brandin Cooks, and Brandon Aiyuk. You can expect many other fantasy teams to be active on the waiver wire searching for replacement receivers.
If Tank Dell is available on waivers, he should be the priority add. But if you missed out on Dell or one of the Chargers receivers, Downs is a terrific consolation prize. He will provide your fantasy roster with the value of a safe floor amidst the unpredictability of fantasy football.