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Fantasy Life Articles fantasy football takes on Josh Downs
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Fantasy Life Articles about Josh Downs.
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All Fantasy Life Articles insights about Josh Downs
PositiveMatchupNov 6, 2026
Despite being out-targeted by Keenan Allen in three of the last four games, Downs faces a favorable Week 9 matchup against Dallas, which ranks 30th in YPG allowed to slot WRs, 20th in passing success rate allowed, and 27th in defensive EPA per play allowed. Only the Chiefs and Lions allow more first downs per game to slot WRs; only the Eagles and Lions give up more catches to interior receivers. The setup supports Downs sneaking into the Top 24 in Week 9.PositiveMatchupNov 6, 2026
Downs has been out-targeted by Keenan Allen in three of their last four games, but Week 9 against Dallas presents an ideal matchup. The Cowboys allow 30th-most YPG to slot WRs, 20th-worst passing success rate allowed, and 27th-worst defensive EPA per play allowed. Only the Chiefs and Lions allow more first downs per game when opposing teams target their slot WRs; only the Eagles and Lions give up more catches to interior receivers.PositiveRoleNov 1, 2026
Shane Steichen confirmed Josh Downs will play his normal role despite requesting a trade; the source is starting him as WR30 and notes he has been playing more outside with Alec Pierce unavailable, with no reason to expect fewer routes Sunday.NegativeDepth ChartOct 30, 2026
WR Josh Downs has formally requested a trade from the Colts; the talented fourth-year player could have several potential suitors, with the market expected to shake out in the coming days and weeks.NegativeSleeperOct 30, 2026
Josh Downs runs all routes earning at least 6.6 targets/game on a Colts team with poor QB play; despite the low aDOTs and accuracy constraints, he's ranked WR34 and recommended as a sleeper flex option during bye weeks.NegativeRoleOct 28, 2026
Downs couldn't get going from the slot against Minnesota despite running a route on 93% of Indianapolis' dropbacks; he lines up in slot on 69% of his routes and is moving at snap on 20% (ninth among 88 qualified receivers), has run 25 slants this season, and Daniel Jones has targeted available slants nearly three times as often as go, fade and seam routes across the Colts' offense. Downs accounts for 23.1% of their first-read targets in his games; Receiver Score is holding him as a matchup-dependent WR3 or a potential trade to a situation with a better QB.NegativeProjectionOct 25, 2026
Josh Downs is ranked in Matthew Berry's Week 7 rankings, appearing in the 70+ range.PositiveProjectionOct 25, 2026
Matthew Berry ranks Josh Downs in his Week 7 rankings.NegativeProjectionOct 24, 2026
Josh Downs is listed among players who haven't fully earned trust in Week 7, requiring a start/sit decision for fantasy managers in the upcoming week.NegativeUsageOct 22, 2026
Matthew Berry is fading Josh Downs at Minnesota in Week 7 (WR41 rank). Berry cites a target-share problem on a low-scoring offense as the reason to avoid Downs.NegativeMatchupOct 22, 2026
WR averaging 6.7 targets per game and ranking second among WRs in separation score, but production has not materialized; sits at WR52 averaging 8.93 fantasy points per game; faces rested 5-0 Vikings team allowing fourth-fewest fantasy points to WRs with opposing WRs and TEs combining for just 19.6 targets per game; source recommends benching as risky FLEX if comparable option available in better matchup; more targets won't fix struggling Colts passing game with Brian Flores having extra time to prepare.NegativeRoleOct 22, 2026
Downs should be benched in a typical 12-team league against Minnesota. His first-read share has fallen from 31.5% over first three games to 16.7% over past three games. Vikings play zone on 84.4% of dropbacks (3rd most); Downs averages 1.04 YPRR against zone on 156 routes, well below his 2.62 against man. Minnesota plays man at the lowest rate in the league and allows just 0.93 YPRR to slot receivers (4th fewest).NegativeProjectionOct 22, 2026
Despite being a staunch supporter, the source expresses frustration with Downs' production. Routes and targets are there, yet production is not; managed only 8.7 fantasy points even with Tyler Warren out. Indy's ability to threaten defenses vertically suffered without Alec Pierce, and Downs has failed to capitalize on 12-personnel opportunities.NegativeMatchupOct 21, 2026
Josh Downs is among the six biggest WR downgrades for Week 7, facing unfavorable betting factors, situational spots, and/or disadvantageous defensive matchups; his current PPG is 6.9 with a Week 7 projection of 8.1.NegativeProjectionOct 21, 2026
Downs is ranked No. 35 among wide receivers for Week 7 in Freedman's rankings.PositiveRoleOct 18, 2026
Josh Downs could see increased usage in Week 6 if Tyler Warren (groin injury, game-time decision) is unavailable.NegativeProjectionOct 18, 2026
Matthew Berry ranks Josh Downs at No. 59 in Week 6 fantasy football rankings.PositiveProjectionOct 17, 2026
Downs has no game designation after dealing with injuries earlier in the week. Ranked WR26 for Week 6 and becomes more appealing if Tyler Warren can't go.NegativeValueOct 15, 2026
Freedman recommends Downs as a strong WR floor play in Week 6 vs. Titans despite historical skepticism about his talent. Over past three weeks without No. 1 WR Alec Pierce (heel, IR), Downs has been full-time (89% route rate) but mediocre (6.5 PPG, 11-140-0 receiving, 21 targets, 56 Utilization Score). Colts' home-field advantage softens because Titans play in division on similar turf. However, Colts are indoors, and Titans rank No. 31 in defensive pass DVOA (42.9%), allowing 26 points to 0-4 Texans last week. Titans could be without three secondary starters: CB Cor'Dale Flott (chest), SS Amani Hooker (concussion), FS Kevin Winston (quadriceps). Freedman suggests Downs is startable in Guillotine Leagues this week.PositiveMatchupOct 15, 2026
Matthew Berry gives Josh Downs a vote for Week 6 vs. Tennessee, ranked WR26. Downs receives consideration based on a soft matchup and a real role in the offense.NegativeBustOct 12, 2026
Josh Downs was expected to have a huge game in Week 4 against a weak Washington secondary, especially with Keenan Allen out, but Daniel Jones played poorly and the Colts weren't forced to throw. In Week 5 against the Steelers, Jones attempted 44 passes and Downs ran a route on 93% of dropbacks, yet recorded just 3 catches for 47 yards on 6 targets. Downs finished fourth on the team in targets, trailing Allen, Tyler Warren and even Laquon Treadwell. Even at age 34, Allen continues to earn targets, averaging a healthy 7.2 per game. The source wanted to move Downs up into the low-end WR2 range following Alec Pierce's injury, but it's pretty clear he's a WR3/FLEX option until the passing attack can improve.PositiveProjectionOct 9, 2026
Despite a Week 4 disasterclass against Washington, Downs remains ranked higher than consensus in Week 5 against Pittsburgh. DvP-adjusted projection: 9.9 (WR22); prediction market implied projection: 10.8 (WR15); Vegas floor: 8.0 (WR16). The source is going back to the well with Downs as a mid-tier WR2.PositiveMatchupOct 9, 2026
Zain Dhanani targets Josh Downs as a favorable matchup play for Week 5, indicating the Colts WR has a positive setup against his opponent.PositiveMatchupOct 8, 2026
Josh Downs faces Pittsburgh's F-graded coverage unit in Week 5; Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, and Jaquan Brisker all grade poorly in blended coverage model (Jalen Ramsey average). Downs has run 72% of his routes from the slot, positioning him favorably against this weak secondary.NegativeProjectionOct 8, 2026
Josh Downs is projected for 9.5 PPG in Week 5 against Pittsburgh, with current PPG at 7.2, suggesting an uptick in expected production.PositiveProjectionOct 7, 2026
Ranked No. 22 among wide receivers for Week 5 in Matthew Freedman's rankings, indicating strong projection and favorability for the week.NegativeProjectionOct 6, 2026
Josh Downs is listed with 7.2 PPG actual and 9.9 PPG projection, indicating upside between current production and model expectation.PositiveValueOct 6, 2026
Strong buy-low after disappointing Week 4 (4.6 PPR points in great matchup) despite Receiver Score model expecting 14.9 PPR points. Running routes on 94% of passing plays with Alec Pierce on IR and Keenan Allen out; used from slot on 71% of routes with 20% quick-game routes and 17% in-breakers giving Daniel Jones underneath options. Season-long 19% TPRR below model's expectation. Traded for Rome Odunze, Denzel Boston, Deebo Samuel, and Jordan Addison in recent weeks—model projects low-end WR2 ROS; Alec Pierce values him as WR2/flex against Pittsburgh.PositiveValueOct 6, 2026
The source lists Downs among players to bid on in Week 5 Guillotine Leagues, indicating he's a recommended waiver target among the highly-chopped players (10%+).NegativeProjectionOct 6, 2026
Downs should have the chance to bounce back in Week 5 should Keenan Allen miss again and profiles more as a strong FLEX play than a reliable WR2, despite sitting as a borderline WR2 in rankings.NegativeRoleOct 6, 2026
Daniel Jones posted season-lows in aDOT (4.6 yards), completion percentage (56%), and yards per attempt (4.2) in Week 4, showing the fragility he brings to the table for these receivers. Jones has not finished better than QB28 in any week this season, limiting the ceiling for Downs and other Colts pass catchers.NegativeProjectionOct 6, 2026
Downs is highlighted with a lower Week 5 ranking than Week 4 (WR22 vs. WR14), though he still sits as a back-end WR2 with upside. The concern stems not from Downs himself but from the offensive environment overall. Despite posting a season-high route rate (95%) against Washington, he finished as WR78 on the season with 3.1 fantasy points on a measly 12% target share as the Colts hammered the Commanders on the ground.PositiveProjectionOct 4, 2026
Josh Downs ranked as a top-40 flex play in Week 4 rankings, positioned at WR37 overall in the flex tier.PositiveMatchupOct 3, 2026
Matchup upgrade against a bad Commanders secondary; without Keenan Allen, everything would flow through Downs and Tyler Warren, positioning both for extra targets.PositiveValueOct 2, 2026
Buy-low candidate averaging 10 targets and 70+ receiving yards per game over last two contests, signaling bigger games ahead; loss of Alec Pierce to IR opens additional opportunities; Utilization Score range historically correlates with 16.4 PPG average, with 50% posting WR1 seasons and WR2 as floor; source recommends acquiring before spike weeks.PositiveValueOct 1, 2026
Josh Downs' ADP has risen from 30.3 to 78.4 in Guillotine Leagues. The source highlights that he turned 20 targets into 12 catches for 149 yards over the past two games, indicating increased involvement in the Colts' passing game. Last week he posted a 29% target share and 15.4 aDOT, showing he's being moved around beyond the slot. The Commanders allow the most fantasy points to WRs at 46.4, creating a smash spot for drafting him to a starting lineup.PositiveProjectionOct 1, 2026
Josh Downs projects for 11.5 PPG in Week 4 against Washington, a notable increase from his current utilization average of 8.5 PPG, suggesting elevated fantasy upside in this matchup.PositiveUsageOct 1, 2026
31% target share over his last two games with 43% of the team's red-zone looks; Washington has allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers through three weeks and the most touchdowns to the slot. Matthew Berry loves this.PositiveProjectionOct 1, 2026
Kendall Valenzuela recommends Josh Downs as a strong WR floor play in Week 4 vs. the Commanders. With Alec Pierce on IR, Valenzuela believes everyone should be excited to start Downs. Washington has five secondary players with a passer rating allowed of 118.8 or higher. In Week 3, Downs locked down a 29% target share and over the last two games has an 81 Utilization Score.PositiveBreakoutOct 1, 2026
Due for a blowup game thanks to his growing role. Recommended as a DFS stack partner with Daniel Jones against the Colts, who face the Commanders—a defense that gives up the single biggest fantasy boost (+8.6) to opposing QBs. Dwain McFarland specifically notes Downs is 'due for a blowup game' based on his expanding offensive role.PositiveProjectionOct 1, 2026
The source projects Downs to finish as a top-five WR in Week 4 against Washington. Downs is coming off a game with a team-high 11 targets, sporting a 29% target share and seeing a target on 30% of his routes. Dating back to 2024, Downs has been targeted on over 31% of his routes with both Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce off the field, commanding plenty of volume. If Downs sees 7-9 targets, he'll smash; if he sees double-digit looks again, the source says 'forget about it.' The Commanders have been a massive pass-funnel defense (77.3% of yardage through the air, second-highest rate) and have allowed five touchdowns to the slot (most in football). Washington blitzes at the league's fourth-highest rate (42.2%), which sets up perfectly for Downs, who averages 0.42 fantasy points per route run when blitzed since the start of last season versus 0.36 when not facing the blitz. When Washington plays man coverage, Downs will face Mike Sainristil, who has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards (203) and most touchdowns (5) in coverage this season.PositiveMatchupSep 30, 2026
Downs leveled up last week without Alec Pierce (heel, IR), posting 5-77-0 receiving, 11 targets, 60% air yard share, 100% end zone target share, and 81 Utilization Score against the Texans. He now faces a much easier matchup against the Commanders, who rank No. 1 in most fantasy points allowed to WRs (38.8) and will likely be without their primary slot defender in S/CB Nick Cross (illness).NegativeProjectionSep 30, 2026
Downs is ranked No. 20 among wide receivers in Freedman's Week 4 rankings.PositiveUsageSep 24, 2026
Pete Overzet recommends Josh Downs vs. Texans in Week 3. Downs' route participation jumped to 91% in Week 2 and he hauled in 30% of the team's targets. With Alec Pierce headed to IR, Downs will get peppered in the dome vs. the Texans. While he might not be the best bet for a TD, he provides the floor desired in Guillotine format.PositiveRoleSep 24, 2026
Matthew Berry highlights Downs as receiving votes for Week 3. Downs saw his target share jump to 36% after Alec Pierce exited last week's game (now on IR) and is no longer a slot-only piece, running over 40% of his routes from the perimeter, indicating a significant role expansion.PositiveRoleSep 24, 2026
Downs is a big riser following Pierce's IR placement; he carries a 93% route participation rate and 21% target share through two games, positioning him as the primary beneficiary.PositiveRoleSep 24, 2026
Downs has solidified as an every-down player and his advanced metrics took a tremendous leap from 12.5% target/route and 1.16 yards/route in Week 1 to 30.0% target/route and 2.40 yards/route in Week 2 against the Chiefs. The source suggests fantasy managers might be scared off by the Colts' rough start and willing to trade Downs at a discount, making him a potential buy-low candidate.NegativeProjectionSep 23, 2026
Downs is downgraded in Freedman's Week 3 WR rankings among the eight biggest downgrades due to unfavorable betting factors, situational spots, and/or disadvantageous defensive matchups. He is averaging 7.7 PPG with a 9.4 PPG projection.PositiveValueSep 23, 2026
Downs is a buy-low target following a strong primetime performance against the Chiefs (7 of 9 targets, 72 yards). With Alec Pierce sidelined by a heel injury and Michael Pittman Jr. departed, Downs should lead the Colts in targets going forward, giving him low-end WR2 upside in PPR. Since entering the league in 2023, Downs has been targeted on 30% of his routes when Pierce and Pittman are off the field. He ranks 11th in TPRR vs man coverage (29%) and has run 15 routes from motion, tied for fifth-most in the NFL, demonstrating the Colts' commitment to moving him around the formation.PositiveMatchupSep 10, 2026
Overzet recommends Downs as a strong WR floor play in Week 1 against the Ravens. The Colts are likely to be in a hole against Baltimore (+3.5 spread) and will need to pass to keep up. With Alec Pierce likely to be eased into action, Downs should be the focal point of the offense alongside Tyler Warren, with 10+ target upside in this spot.PositiveSleeperSep 6, 2026
Kody Malstrom recommends drafting Downs late, with the potential to secure a WR1 early in the season should Pierce need to miss more time due to injury.NegativeInjurySep 6, 2026
Downs is dealing with a calf injury that is worth monitoring, though it has been reported as minor and he is expected to be healthy for week one.PositiveProjectionSep 6, 2026
The return of Daniel Jones will help elevate the Colts' offense as a whole. Before his injury, Jones was putting together a productive campaign, hovering in the top 10 of all qualified QBs in EPA per play, CPOE, bad throw percentage, and air yards per reception, which should benefit Downs' fantasy outlook.PositiveRoleSep 6, 2026
With Michael Pittman gone, Downs is positioned as the Indianapolis Colts' WR2 and will see a higher usage rate, especially with Alec Pierce dealing with a nagging injury. When in pass sets, Downs ranked 20th in targets per route run, demonstrating efficiency with opportunities.PositiveBreakoutSep 3, 2026
Matthew Berry believes the Keenan Allen signing won't really matter for the Josh Downs breakout; Downs is going to play in 2-WR sets and will be a big part of the Colts' passing game.NegativeInjuryAug 30, 2026
Downs is the Colts' top-projected receiver option but is currently dealing with a calf injury and is considered day-to-day, creating opportunity for Keenan Allen.PositiveRoleAug 27, 2026
When Michael Pittman was off the field in Indianapolis, Downs was targeted on 25% of his routes over his career. In his 22 career games with at least a 20% target share, he averages 13.7 PPG. With Keenan Allen replacing Pittman, Downs should be involved in all two-WR sets despite Allen's addition.NegativeInjuryAug 27, 2026
Josh Downs is dealing with a calf injury and did not practice, but he downplayed it as 'very minor.' The source advises not making any roster adjustments based on this injury.NegativeInjuryAug 27, 2026
Josh Downs is dealing with a calf injury on top of a groin injury from earlier in the month; he is chronically injury-prone due to his waifish frame, and dynasty managers should expect semi-constant injury issues in his profile.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Downs will compete with Keenan Allen and Tyler Warren for targets in the intermediate areas of the Colts' passing attack. The intermediate zone could be especially crowded with Alec Pierce unavailable to stretch the defense.NegativeDepth ChartAug 21, 2026
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver ranked 73rd overall in 2026 fantasy football; has bye week 13.NegativeRoleAug 21, 2026
Josh Downs' ceiling will be mildly impacted by Keenan Allen's arrival with the Colts; Dwain McFarland projects Downs' routes down 2%, targets down 1%, and TDs down 1%. However, all indications are the Colts want Downs on the field more.PositiveRoleAug 20, 2026
With Keenan Allen slotted as WR3, Downs has the opportunity to make his case for being the WR2, offering assurance for those who believe in his upside as a multi-tool weapon in the Colts offense.PositiveRoleAug 19, 2026
Josh Downs' breakout potential is threatened by Keenan Allen signing with the Colts; the source questions what will happen to the next steps Downs looked set to take, given Allen's history of limiting target share for other pass catchers.PositiveRoleAug 18, 2026
The Colts' addition of Keenan Allen is bad news for Downs and the rest of the Colts' pass-catchers. Downs had been a source of optimism for Fantasy Life, but the Allen signing requires throwing cold water on that optimism given the overlap in their target areas and the crowded receiver room.PositiveProjectionAug 18, 2026
Despite Keenan Allen's signing, Dwain McFarland only slightly reduced Downs' projections because Allen's playing time is concentrated in 11-personnel, allowing Downs to remain featured in 2-WR sets. McFarland reduced routes by 2%, targets by 1%, and receiving TDs by 1%, but maintains Downs as a low-end WR3 with WR2 upside.PositiveUsageAug 18, 2026
Downs earns targets at an elite rate despite limited opportunity. Among wideouts with at least 100 routes last season, Downs ranked 11th in TPRR vs man coverage (29%). In a very small sample of just 17 routes out of 12 personnel, Downs was targeted seven times, demonstrating his ability to earn targets regardless of personnel or coverage. His release and footwork are impressive, though his size could make it difficult to consistently win against press coverage.PositiveRoleAug 18, 2026
Downs will likely take a hit in fantasy football value following Allen's signing, as both players compete for the same slot position and similar targets. Last season, Downs ran 81% of his routes from the slot and earned 17% of team targets (6.5 targets per game). The source notes that unless Downs suddenly plays outside more, both players will be competing for the same position, which is not ideal for Downs' breakout campaign.PositiveRoleAug 17, 2026
Downs has a rare opportunity to significantly expand his role in 2026 with Michael Pittman no longer on the roster, Alec Pierce unavailable after ankle surgery, and no additional pass-catching weapons added by the Colts. The passing game is essentially just Downs and Tyler Warren, creating a concentrated offense with plenty of opportunities for top depth chart players. The coaching staff is explicitly planning to keep Downs on the field during 12 personnel usage, something not true throughout his career, which raises both floor and ceiling for fantasy output. The source has believed in Downs' talent since his North Carolina days and notes he has been efficient on a per-route basis; with increased playing time, the source is confident he can post a career year in 2026.PositiveValueAug 13, 2026
Downs is currently going well outside the top 100 picks on both ESPN and Yahoo, suggesting significant ADP discount relative to his target-share upside and per-game production in high-volume games.PositiveUsageAug 13, 2026
With Michael Pittman off the field, Downs has been targeted on over 25% of his routes for his career; in 22 career games with at least a 20% target share, he averages 13.7 PPG.PositiveProjectionAug 13, 2026
For his career, with Michael Pittman off the field, Josh Downs has been targeted on over 25% of his routes. In 22 career games with at least a 20% target share, Downs is averaging 13.7 PPG. Downs is currently going well outside the top 100 picks on both ESPN and Yahoo, suggesting significant undervaluation given his target share upside with Pittman traded.PositiveValueAug 11, 2026
Josh Downs' Underdog ADP of 84.2 (WR40) undervalues his elite per-route efficiency and expanded role opportunity. The Colts no longer view Downs as a slot-only WR, and Shane Steichen plans to move him around the formation. His slot rate has stayed between 78% and 84% during his career, while his route participation fell to 67% last season. Even with that limited role, his per-route numbers have been elite, including a 27.9% TPRR in 2024 that ranked No. 3 among 80 qualifying WRs behind only Malik Nabers and Nico Collins. The source cites Jaxon Smith-Njigba as a comparable: JSN had an 83% slot rate and averaged 14.9 PPR FP/G in 2024, then Seattle moved him around more in 2025 and he jumped to 3.62 YPRR and 21.2 PPR FP/G. The source's research indicates getting out of a slot-only role can be a massive unlock. The source is above market on Downs at WR40, and if a Keenan Allen signing pushes his price down, that would be viewed as a better buying opportunity rather than a reason to exit.PositiveRoleAug 6, 2026
After trading away Michael Pittman while Alec Pierce is rehabbing offseason surgery, Josh Downs is expected to shoulder a heavier workload and expand his role in the Indianapolis Colts offense. Throughout training camp, Downs has been lining up at multiple spots across the line, flashing versatility on the outside and in the slot. His utilization on the outside is eye-opening, with pre-snap motion to create space and get him in the open field. If Downs continues to expand his role, he will see a bump in targets. There's also the possibility that Pierce gets off to a slow start while shaking off rust, forcing Daniel Jones to lean heavier on Downs to keep the offense afloat.NegativeProjectionAug 6, 2026
Downs was mentioned as one of four options in a 10-man PPR draft choice alongside D'Andre Swift, Bhayshul Tuten, and Jayden Reed. Valenzuela ranked Swift slightly ahead of Tuten but did not provide specific analysis for Downs in this mailbag response.NegativeRoleAug 1, 2026
Josh Downs remains a target for drafters, but his fantasy outlook faces significant downside risk if Keenan Allen signs with the Colts. Allen, a 34-year-old slot receiver, directly overlaps with Downs' skill set and has a demonstrated ability to siphon away targets from receivers in his orbit. The Colts have been repeatedly linked to Allen due to the Shane Steichen connection from their Chargers days, and Alec Pierce's ongoing ankle issues make a veteran signing logical. Drafters should avoid chasing Downs up the board with the specter of Keenan looming.PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
Downs is identified as one of the primary targets for Daniel Jones alongside Tyler Warren, indicating significant target share opportunity.PositiveProjectionJul 30, 2026
Josh Downs is listed as a 2026 watch player for the Colts: Round 3 NFL Draft pick, age 25, with Michael Pittman Jr. gone, reducing target competition.PositiveRoleJul 30, 2026
Downs benefits from Shane Steichen's elite play-calling (32% play-action, 57% motion) and Michael Pittman Jr.'s departure, which opens the target tree in a scheme-favorable Colts environment.PositiveProjectionJul 30, 2026
Josh Downs is listed as a 2026 watch player: Round 3 NFL Draft pick, age 25, with Michael Pittman Jr. gone, reducing target competition. The departure of the lead receiver represents a positive factor for increased target share.