Sometimes when a player has a down year, it can actually help fantasy managers when planning for the upcoming draft.Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs' production dipped last season with only 566 receiving yards and four touchdowns, which has hurt his fantasy stock this year.
Nonetheless, ESPN fantasy analyst Eric Moody thinks Downs will be on the rebound this season and is someone to target in the late rounds of your fantasy draft. Here is what Moody had to say about Downs:
“Downs is one of my favorite late-round targets after a disappointing 2025. Pittman's departure leaves 111 targets behind, giving Downs a clear path toward the volume he saw in 2024, when he caught 72 passes for 803 yards and five touchdowns on 107 targets. Downs separates
well, works effectively from the slot and gives the quarterback a reliable underneath option. The touchdown ceiling might be limited, but Downs is projected for 110 targets and looks like a nice value at his current ADP.”
Michael Pittman’s departure to the Pittsburgh Steelers certainly stirs things up in the wide receiver room. Alec Pierce, who is currently projected to be the top receiver on the Colts, is still recovering from his ankle surgery back in March but is projected to be ready for the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Quarterback Daniel Jones will be a full-go as well.
Pierce and Jones being back for the regular season actually helps Downs’ fantasy production. Having Pierce on the field, along with Keenan Allen, who the Colts recently signed, can create more one-on-one opportunities for Downs to take advantage of. We could also see Downs lined up outside more this season, specifically in 12 personnel packages.
Without Pittman, there are 110 targets up for grabs, and Downs -- and others -- are going to play a key role in helping to make up for that lost production.
The Colts have remained confident in Downs and his ability to contribute at a high level.
According to Moody, Downs’ average draft position (ADP) is as the No. 44 receiver off the board. His ADP is understandable given his numbers last season. But he could be a real steal with an ADP that far down in the draft and surely someone who is worthy of consideration to be on fantasy rosters this season.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: ESPN analyst names Colts WR as late-round target in fantasy football
