Is Josh Downs A Good Fantasy Football Pickup for Week 6? Waiver Wire Outlook

The Indianapolis Colts drafted wide receiver Josh Downs with the 79th overall pick in this year's draft. He was projected to become a go-to guy along with Michael Pittman Jr. for rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson.

After a slow start to the season, Downs is getting much more involved in the offense and has shown flashes of his potential. With Anthony Richardson set to miss multiple weeks due to a shoulder injury, is Josh Downs worth picking off the waivers for your fantasy football team?

Let's take a look at his fantasy outlook.

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Josh Downs Fantasy Outlook

In five games so far this season, Josh Downs has recorded 23 receptions for 255 yards, while averaging 11.09 yards per reception and 51 yards per game. These numbers are pretty good for a rookie wide receiver who has played alongside a rookie quarterback.

In Week 5's 23-16 win over the Tennessee Titans, Downs played a huge role in the Colts' triumph. He had 97 receiving yards on six receptions and made the most of all six targets during the game. So far, he has played 77.9% of all the Colts' offensive snaps and has a target share of 20.6%.

The 22-year-old receiver has mainly played in the slot, but with Gardner Minshew as the quarterback in Richardson's absence, the Colts could involve Downs a lot more in their offense.

Jonathan Taylor is back as well, and the dominating duo of him and Moss will further open up the field for the receivers on their team. Shane Steichen is a pretty good play caller, and he could allow the rookie wideout to make some explosive plays with his fast speed.

Should I Pickup Josh Downs Off the Waiver Wire in Fantasy Football?

With how things currently shape up for the Indianapolis Colts, this is arguably the best opportunity to pick up Josh Downs from the waivers. Anthony Richardson could be out for a month, and until then, the team's receivers will be relied on to make some big plays.

As mentioned earlier, Jonathan Taylor's presence will be helpful for the passing game as well, and Downs could definitely benefit from it. After recording 9.7 points in full PPR scoring leagues last week, the Colts wide receivers have now recorded a total of 25.5 points over the first five weeks.

He is continuously getting better as we head further into the season, and given how young the whole team, including their head coach, are, the Colts could surprise many people with their progress.

More Fantasy Football Analysis