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Underdog Fantasy Football Show fantasy football takes on Josh Downs
Every source-backed podcast insight STACKED has extracted from Underdog Fantasy Football Show about Josh Downs.
9
Insights
5
Positive
2
Negative
Insight ledger
All Underdog Fantasy Football Show insights about Josh Downs
NegativeRoleSep 25, 2026
Josh Downs is WR25 and running about 60% of his routes out of the slot. Shane Steichen clearly wants Downs as the centerpiece of the pass game, getting him in motion frequently with lots of little option routes where he's at his best. Downs can threaten intermediate routes more than most slot receivers and Steichen is positioning him to avoid Derek Stingley through motion stacks. Without Alec Pierce, the offense might be constricted, but Downs' role is secure.PositiveMatchupSep 23, 2026
Josh Downs has two career games over 100 yards, one of which came against the Houston Texans in 2024; even facing the Texans' elite defense in week three, he should still be viewed as a wide receiver three because the Colts' scheme heavily motions him around and Steichen targets him consistently on short-yardage plays.PositiveRoleSep 23, 2026
Josh Downs is the Colts' clear best separator and primary slot weapon; the source identifies him as firmly a wide receiver three moving forward with a chance to be a wide receiver two in full PPR given the Colts' defensive struggles and Shane Steichen's scheme reliance on him for short-yardage situations.PositiveBreakoutSep 23, 2026
Downs had arguably the best game of his career in terms of two-wide-receiver-set route running and production, finishing as WR23 in half-PPR. He ran routes on 71% of dropbacks with two or fewer receivers on the field (previously averaged 8% in his first three NFL seasons) and 92-93% overall (never higher than 76% in any prior season). He won on quick slants and motion routes while also getting three targets on deeper outbreaking routes (10+ yards downfield). The source expects this usage to increase further due to Alec Pierce's absence and believes Downs will continue to be featured on these deeper routes since Keenan Allen won't fill that role and Tyler Warren operates in the flats.NegativeValueSep 18, 2026
Downs is a good player, but the source warns that the hype surrounding him has become inflated. He is a bench player for Week 2 against the Chiefs, as the matchup is difficult and there are many fantasy-relevant players competing for targets.NegativeUsageSep 14, 2026
Josh Downs saw significant usage in non-11 personnel sets, but his fantasy output was limited to two catches for 37 yards in a blowout loss.NegativeUsageSep 9, 2026
There is skepticism regarding Josh Downs' ability to succeed as a stationary wide receiver in two-wide sets, as he has historically relied on motion and free releases. His Week 1 matchup against the Ravens is difficult, particularly if he is covered by Kyle Hamilton, who could neutralize him.PositiveValueAug 10, 2026
Josh Downs is highlighted by Hayden Winks as a favorite pick, suggesting he is a player to target in 2026.PositiveProjectionNo date
Josh Downs finished last year as WR56 in points per game and is now being selected much earlier, indicating a significant ADP improvement from his 2024 performance.