The Indianapolis Colts, boasting a 7-2 record, will face the Atlanta Falcons, who sit at 3-5, in Berlin. The Colts enter this game as 6.5-point favorites after suffering a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Conversely, the Falcons narrowly lost to the New England Patriots by a single point, marking a competitive outing.
While the Falcons have shown strength against the pass this season, they have recently struggled. They have allowed six passing touchdowns over the last two games, coinciding with two games where opponents totaled over 200 passing yards. Their performance against the run has been even less impressive, which could allow Colts’ running back Jonathan Taylor to have a productive game.
Fantasy Football Outlook: Start or Sit Josh Downs?
As we assess Josh Downs’ fantasy value for Week 10, it is crucial to consider his performance and team dynamics. Downs is currently positioned as WR40 in PPR leagues and WR46 in standard leagues. His targets have primarily been outpaced by teammates Michael Pittman and Tyler Warren. Even Alec Pierce has surged recently, leading to reduced chances for Downs.
Recent Performance
- Downs has scored in three consecutive games.
- He achieved a season-high 57 receiving yards last week during a garbage-time effort.
- His routes have largely been underneath, limiting his big-play potential.
Despite his recent scoring streak, Downs remains a high-risk option for fantasy managers. The Falcons rank eighth in allowing points to wide receivers, complicating his prospects. No wide receiver unit has exceeded 157 receiving yards against Atlanta in a single game this season.
Decision for Week 10
Considering his inconsistent involvement and the challenging matchup, my recommendation for Josh Downs in fantasy football is:
- Start or sit in Week 10 PPR leagues? Sit.
- Start or sit in Week 10 standard leagues? Sit.
In conclusion, while the Colts aim to bounce back against the Falcons, fantasy managers should think twice before starting Josh Downs in their lineups this week. His limited target share combined with the formidable Falcons’ defense creates a scenario more favorable for sitting him this week.
