Josh Downs start or sit: Week 4 fantasy football advice

The Colts offense has been clicking on all cylinders to start the season, but unfortunately for their receivers, the ball is getting spread out a bit too thin for consistent fantasy production. So far, rookie tight end Tyler Warren leads the team with 21 targets, while Michael Pittman is second at 19, Josh Downs with 14, and Alec Pierce with 13. Today we’ll take a closer look at Downs and if he is worth starting in fantasy leagues this week.

Daniel Jones has been efficient this season while picking up a bit more yardage than usual per pass for the dink and dunker. Some has been matchup based and some has been Tyler Warren’s ability after the catch, but overall it has been an extremely positive start for the reclamation project. Of course, if you roster Downs, you are worried about his fantasy upside now that Warren has taken over as the lead target and Jonathon Taylor leads the league in rushing attempts.

Below, we’ll go over Josh Downs’ outlook in fantasy football for Week 4.

So far, Downs has target days of 3, 8, 3. Those numbers are the opposite of consistent, but the eight targets did come in the only close game they have played so far. In that matchup with a good Broncos defense, Downs led the team in targets. In the games where there wasn’t much doubt as to the likely winner at halftime, Downs was barely used.

This week, the Colts are 5.5-point underdogs on the road, which sets up well for Daniel Jones to need to throw the ball. Also, the Rams have been weak against No. 2 wide receivers, ranking fourth-worst in DVOA against them. Downs is a good receiver. He has a knack for getting open, with 50% of his targets coming while 2-5 yards from a defender, which ranks 12th overall.

Start. He’s risky, but his talent and likely uptick in opportunities in a game the Colts should be behind or at least close in the second half, should help hi have a positive fantasy day.

Start.