Josh Downs a WR4 Despite Favorable Home Matchup Against Cowboys
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs drew five targets in Week 8, and although he caught four of them, it amounted to just 23 receiving yards. On the bright side, the UNC product hauled in his first touchdown catch of the season, but at 5-foot-9, he's not a big end zone target, so it remains to be seen if he can continue that trend consistently going forward. The former third-rounder has never caught more than five touchdowns in a single season, however, this week's matchup with the Cowboys is one of the more favorable around, so he certainly has a shot to score in back-to-back weeks. Averaging under four catches and 42 yards per game, the 25-year-old has a low floor and a low ceiling, making him a solid but unexciting WR4/Flex play this week, with slight upside given the forgiving defense he'll be going up against.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Keenan Allen a Potential WR3 in Favorable Matchup Against Cowboys
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen earned seven targets in Week 8, reeling in all seven for 67 yards. It was the fourth time in the last five games in which the veteran garnered at least seven targets, and he should be in line for a similar workload in Week 9 against a Dallas defense that has been generous to opposing wideouts. The Cowboys are yielding the fifth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers, allowing eight touchdowns and the sixth-most receiving yards to that position through eight weeks (1313; 164.1 yds/game). The Colts will be missing multiple pieces on defense in this one, so both offenses could have a chance to shine in a game with a high projected total. View the 34-year-old receiver as a borderline WR3/4 or solid Flex play in Week 9, with some upside in PPR formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colts Receiving Trade Calls on Jonathan Taylor
The Indianapolis Colts have received trade calls on several players, most notably running back Jonathan Taylor, wide receiver Josh Downs, and defensive tackle Grover Stewart, according to Jordan Schultz. He added that the belief around the league is that the Colts will wait until after their Week 9 game on Sunday before revisiting the trade offers, accepting deals they want to make before the trade deadline on Tuesday, November 10. It's something to keep in mind when putting your fantasy football starting lineups together, as the Colts might only keep tradeable players on the field for a handful of snaps. Taylor played in just 62.3% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 8 - that was his lowest mark of the season. Downs played 75.4% of the team's offensive snaps, which was his second-lowest mark of the season. Stewart was on the field for 50% of the team's defensive snaps, which was tied for his lowest mark all season.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Alec Pierce Not Expected to Return "Anytime Soon"
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) is unlikely to return "anytime soon," according to Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan. Pierce hasn't played since Week 2, and for what it's worth, he hasn't been 100% healthy for a game since last season. It doesn't sound like the 26-year-old will be back on the field within the next couple of weeks, even though he is currently eligible to be activated from injured reserve. It's too early to tell whether Pierce is at risk of being shut down for the whole season, but it's something for the Colts to consider as they undergo a partial teardown of their roster. Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner have already been traded, and it seems like offensive staples Jonathan Taylor and Josh Downs could be next. If Indianapolis does wave the white flag on their season, we wouldn't be totally shocked to see Pierce remain on IR and focus on getting healthy for 2027. The idea has gained some traction among local media in Indianapolis, as head coach Shane Steichen was asked if Pierce might not play again this year. "He's rehabbing; can't put a timetable on it right now," Steichen answered. The idea of Pierce being shut down is purely speculation at this point, of course, and we'd still advise managers to stash him in leagues with at least 10-12 teams. If he does return, he'd rank as a fringe WR2 in most leagues, especially if he no longer has to compete with Downs for targets.
Source: Kevin Bowen
Source: Kevin Bowen
Keenan Allen Offers Standard League Streaming Upside in Week 9
Indianapolis wide receiver Keenan Allen is coming off a solid fantasy performance and has streaming appeal in standard leagues heading into a favorable Week 9 matchup against Dallas. Allen caught all seven of his targets in Week 8 for 67 yards. He now has 36 receptions for 325 yards and a touchdown across 50 targets this season, and has remained involved enough to be worth at least deep-league fantasy starts. The very favorable matchup against the Cowboys in Week 9 makes Allen an option in standard leagues too, especially on fantasy rosters lacking wide receiver options. The favorable matchup, plus his recent production, makes Allen a very solid deep-league option for the coming week.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Josh Downs Could Be Moved for Third or Fourth-Round Pick
Having already traded away two team captains, the 2-6 Indianapolis Colts are essentially looking at a cultural reset, and NFL Insider Adam Schefter believes that wide receiver Josh Downs could be one of the next players on the move ahead of the NFL's November 10 trade deadline. Schefter reports that the Colts have asked for a third-round pick for the fourth-year receiver but could settle for a fourth-rounder before the deadline. Downs leads the Colts with 330 yards on 30 receptions and found the end zone for the first time in Sunday's blowout loss to the Jaguars. A breakout candidate who has yet to find his footing as part of a struggling offense, a change of scenery could help restore fantasy value to a player who currently ranks as the WR41 through eight games.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Keenan Allen a Potential Long-Term Waiver Find
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen is well positioned for a solid fantasy outing in this weekend's road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The veteran is coming off a rough three-catch, 31-yard performance his last time out against a relentless Vikings defense. It wasn't the result fantasy managers wanted, though Allen still led the team in receptions and receiving yards and tied for second in targets with three. While the North Carolina native will likely lose some looks with the return of tight end Tyler Warren, he still has room to be productive. Jacksonville has been an awful matchup for opposing ground attacks, but they've been porous on the back end, yielding the third-most passing yards per game (273.8). Additionally, it's one of the highest-scoring teams, which should put Allen in a positive game script. The 34-year-old is a worthy add for Week 8, with the potential for more if fellow wideout Josh Downs gets shipped off before the trade deadline. He's RotoBaller's PPR WR31 for the divisional faceoff.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Keenan Allen a Steady Contributor to Trust in Week 8
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen isn't the flashiest name in fantasy football, but his steady contributions this season have put him in WR3/flex territory for Week 8 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although his outlook is scaled back a little with tight end Tyler Warren returning from injury, there's still a clear path for Allen to operate as the No. 1 wide receiver in Indianapolis. The 34-year-old has more catches, touchdowns, and PPR points than teammate Josh Downs this season, despite playing one fewer game. Allen has been a safer and more reliable target for quarterback Daniel Jones, and that could lead to a solid fantasy outing on Sunday against the Jaguars. He should thrive in a projected negative game script environment, and he should also benefit from playing against the Jaguars, who have surrendered the fourth-most receiving yards to wide receivers in 2026. Managers should confidently deploy Allen as a WR3/flex this week, as trade rumors continue to swirl around both him and Downs.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Downs A Low-Floor, Low-Ceiling Fantasy Option In Week 8
When the Indianapolis Colts take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8, they'll have their top slot wide receiver, Josh Downs, healthy and active. He's not been very productive this season, though. Colts starting quarterback Daniel Jones, to the detriment of the team, has opted not to get the ball to Downs, and instead focus on his outside receivers and tight ends. Downs is separating very well this season -- he has no issues with getting open, but just isn't getting the ball as much as he should be. With just 12 receptions over the past four games combined, he's not been start-worthy in any fantasy football leagues this year. He requested a trade away from the Colts, likely due to his lack of involvement, but remains with the team for now and will be active for Week 8. He should be on benches in all leagues for now, and his current value in redraft leagues is very low.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Josh Downs to Play in Week 8 After Making Trade Request
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that wide receiver Josh Downs will play on Sunday in Week 8 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars despite his trade request, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Running back Jonathan Taylor, who is another trade candidate for the Colts, will also be active this weekend, and both players are expected to see normal workloads. The 25-year-old Downs wants to be the next one to go after the Colts sent Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers earlier this week. Perhaps a change of scenery would benefit Downs, who has struggled in 2026 despite the injury to Alec Pierce (heel) that landed him on Injured Reserve. Downs has 26 receptions through seven games for 307 yards and no touchdowns. He has quickly become a hard-to-trust WR3/flex for fantasy managers.
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Josh Downs Requests Trade From Colts
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is requesting a trade, sources tell Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The Colts traded Pro Bowl offensive guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, and Downs wants to be next to go before the Nov. 10 deadline. Despite Alec Pierce (heel) being on Injured Reserve since Week 3, the 25-year-old Downs has not taken advantage of a bigger role in Indy's passing game this year, catching just 26 of his 46 targets for 307 yards (11.8 yards per catch) and no touchdowns in seven games played. He had just two grabs on four targets for 18 yards in Sunday's Week 7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. A receiver-needy NFL team will likely take a shot on the former third-rounder from North Carolina, but a trade out of Indianapolis will not guarantee that Downs will bounce back for fantasy managers who continue to hold him. In addition to Downs, veteran wideout Keenan Allen and star running back Jonathan Taylor could be dealt as the Colts sell off assets for draft capital following their 2-5 start.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Alec Pierce a Glaring Stash Ahead of Return, Teammate's Potential Trade
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) should be a priority stash in all fantasy football leagues ahead of the midway mark in the season. Pierce tried to play through injury for the first two weeks of the season before being placed on injured reserve, and he is now eligible to be activated whenever the Colts feel he is ready. Given that this move could happen at any time, Pierce is a strong stash option in redraft leagues. After all, there will be a mad scramble to add him when he's activated, so savvy managers should beat the rush and add him off waivers now. Plus, there's the potential for Pierce to carve out an even bigger role if teammate Josh Downs gets traded, as recent rumors have suggested. A Downs trade would strengthen Pierce's position atop the wide receiver depth chart, putting him in the WR2 range on a more consistent basis. The 26-year-old should be stashed on the bench in most 10+ team leagues ahead of his eventual return and potential increase in volume with Downs in trade rumors.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
WR-Needy Teams Calling Colts About Josh Downs
Wide receiver-needy NFL teams have called the Indianapolis Colts on wide receiver Josh Downs, several league sources told Jordan Schultz. The Colts traded away Pro Bowl offensive guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, and Downs could be next to go as the 2-5 Colts continue to clean house for draft capital. The 25-year-old Downs caught just two of his four targets for 18 yards in Sunday's Week 7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings as he continues his disappointing 2026 season. The former third-rounder from North Carolina has yet to find the end zone through seven weeks and has 26 receptions on 46 targets for 307 yards (11.8 yards per catch ) to begin his fourth year in the NFL. Downs' production, or lack thereof, is even more disappointing when considering that Alec Pierce (heel) has been on Injured Reserve after aggravating his surgically repaired heel in the Week 2 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. In addition to Downs, the Colts could trade away veteran receiver Keenan Allen and star running back Jonathan Taylor before the Nov. 10 deadline.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Could Keenan Allen Be the Next Colts Player on the Move?
The Indianapolis Colts made headlines by trading six-time All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday, and NFL Insider Ari Meirov believes more moves could be on the way, specifically listing wide receiver Keenan Allen among a group of players on whom the Colts could be willing to listen to offers. Playing for his third team in as many seasons, the 14-year veteran leads the Colts with 44 targets, which he has converted into 29 receptions, 258 yards, and a touchdown. Well beyond his early-career durability concerns, Allen has been a fantasy producer almost everywhere he's gone, finishing as a WR3 or better in eight of the past nine seasons, and a move to a more productive offensive environment ahead of the NFL's November 10 trade deadline could help him keep the streak alive.
Source: https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/2115122413012742559
Source: https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/2115122413012742559
Josh Downs a Potential Trade Candidate Ahead of NFL Deadline
With the Indianapolis Colts officially signaling themselves as sellers with their trade of six-time All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks, NFL Insider Ari Meirov lists wide receiver Josh Downs among a group of players who could be next to be moved. A preseason fantasy darling, Downs has disappointed in 2026, topping 50 receiving yards only twice and failing to find the end zone through seven games. Currently the fantasy WR46, the fourth-year veteran could benefit from a change of scenery, and his situation bears monitoring ahead of the NFL's November 10 trade deadline.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
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