A week after tearing up the vaunted Pittsburgh defense, Josh Downs corralled nine passes for 69 yards in a losing effort against Jacksonville. It’s not a performance that’ll garner much fanfare, but one indicative of a more significant trend. Despite the obvious ability of Michael Pittman Jr. on the outside, this passing attack runs through Downs.
For the second consecutive week, the year-two standout led the team in targets and had a few designed looks. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has made it a priority to get it in his top playmaker’s hands, and Downs has delivered.
The former Tar Heel is a stud in the slot who does most of his work over the middle. He’s a crisp route runner with an elite change of speed and is somehow always open. Joe Flacco and Anthony Richardson are aggressive gunslingers, but Downs’ presence helps settle the offense and open up shots downfield.
Regardless of the signal caller in Indianapolis, Downs will continue to get fed. He carries more WR1 upside in PPR and DFS due to the volume, but even in standard leagues, he will rack up yards and be a focus near the goal line. Whether it’s waivers or in a low-end trade, get in on him now before he totally takes off and establishes himself as a weekly must-start.
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