JoshDowns

News: 4 days agoDowns caught two of four targets for 37 yards in Sunday's 41-23 loss to the Ravens.

Spin: Downs' four targets tied Jonathan Taylor for fourth on the team behind Alec Pierce (six), Keenan Allen (six) and Tyler Warren (five), but it was notable that Downs led the team with 32 routes on Daniel Jones' 34 dropbacks. He was in the slot 78.8 percent of the time, and his 93.8 percent route participation suggests Downs is an every-down wideout this season after playing behind both Michael Pittman and Pierce in previous seasons. Downs should have better days moving forward and gets a Week 2 date with the Chiefs next Sunday.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Downs has settled in as a serviceable slot receiver, which has helped him to finish in the 35-to-45 range among WRs in total fantasy points in each of his three NFL seasons. Downs peaked with a 72-803-5 receiving line in 2024, but took a step back in a crowded offense last season, and failed to deliver a single fantasy week better than 15th at the position. The undersized Downs isn't an option near the goal line, as he hasn't cleared five touchdowns or three end zone targets in a single season. The 25-year-old has a path to a slightly larger role in 2026 with Michael Pittman Jr. gone, leaving Alec Pierce, Tyler Warren and Keenan Allen as his primary target competition. Downs is a sleeper for flex production in PPR formats.