Should I Drop Josh Downs? Fantasy Football Outlook for Week 8

With Joe Flacco quarterbacking the Indianapolis Colts, Josh Downs was a powerhouse for fantasy football.

Fantasy managers are now questioning whether to keep the former third-rounder on their rosters after his recent performance with Anthony Richardson as the starting QB.

Downs' production has dropped with Richardson back in the lineup. So should we be looking for a replacement at WR?

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Should I Drop Josh Downs in Fantasy Football?

Josh Downs is a drop candidate, especially in 10- or 12-team leagues. In Week 7, with Richardson at quarterback, Downs handled just one catch for 1.30 fantasy points in PPR leagues.

Richardson struggled heavily in the passing game, going 10-of-24 for just 129 passing yards. Even though Michael Pittman Jr. also saw reduced targets, his role as a deep-ball threat offers more upside.

The streak continues: Josh Downs has never reached 6 fantasy points in a game Anthony Richardson has played in full.

— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) October 20, 2024

Unfortunately, Richardson's inconsistency in passing limits Downs' potential. Earlier in the season, the wideout posted slightly better numbers with Richardson, a 5.20-point outing in Week 3. That is still not good enough for someone you want to put in your starting lineup each week.

However, even at his best, Downs remains an uncertain play in fantasy, especially in leagues that only start two wide receivers. If you can afford to stash him on the bench in deeper leagues, he can be used as a desperation play with injuries and bye weeks. Downs is unreliable for fantasy managers who need even production from their WR3 or flex position.

Who Should I Pickup in Week 8 Fantasy Football?

If you are dropping Downs, there are a few waiver-wire wideouts to check out.

One option is Jalen McMillan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Though McMillan has not been a breakout star by any means this season, he saw eight targets in Week 7.

The rookie could see an increased role with injuries to Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. While McMillan's three catches for 15 yards are not impressive, his target share provides some hope as Baker Mayfield looks for trustworthy options.

Highest % of routes that are horizontally-breaking or underneath
[WRs, per @FantasyPtsData]

1. Chris Godwin (67.3%)
2. Cooper Kupp (66.1%)
3. Josh Downs (65.9%)
4. Rashee Rice (64.5%)
5. Amon-Ra St. Brown (63.8%)
....
7. Jalen McMillan (59.0%) 👀
8. JuJu Smith-Schuster (58.9%)

— Ryan Heath (@RyanJ_Heath) October 22, 2024

Other wide receivers who could become breakouts for fantasy football include Troy Franklin, Ricky Pearsall, Rashod Bateman, and Romeo Doubs. You should check to see if they are available in your league.

Ultimately, if you want more consistent production or a better situation, it is time to move on from Downs and grab a player with a higher upside.

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