Should I Pick Up Josh Downs? Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 9

October 30, 2023

Should I pickup Josh Downs for fantasy football Week 9? Read the Josh Downs fantasy football waiver wire outlook, advice for adding him off waivers.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs continues to trend up in fantasy football leagues. The rookie has made a big impact lately for the Colts, which has helped the offense weather the absence of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Heading into Week 9, Josh Downs is rostered in 62% of leagues. Should that number rise this week?

Read below for the waiver wire update on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs.

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What Did Josh Downs Do Last Week?

On Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, Colts rookie wide receiver Josh Downs had another strong day. He was targeted nine times in the 38-27 loss, catching seven of those passes for 72 yards.

The nine targets were the second-most of Downs' NFL career, following the 12 targets he saw back in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens. He caught eight passes for 57 yards in that one.

Sunday's performance marks the fourth game in a row that Downs has caught at least five passes. He's had 70-plus yards in three of those games. In the other, he caught a touchdown. That's four really strong fantasy showings in a row for Downs.

Josh Downs Waiver Wire Outlook for Week 9

Josh Downs has seen his fantasy stock rising each week this season and it's with good reason, as the rookie continues to establish himself as a force for the Colts. He's the clear No. 2 receiver on a team that's currently 11th in the NFL in pass attempts per game.

It's even more encouraging that he's done well even when facing tough defenses. The Browns have one of the best pass defenses in the NFL, but two weeks ago Downs caught five passes for 125 yards and a touchdown against them.

Heading into Week 9 against Carolina, Downs is not only a must-add off the waiver wire but is someone who can be safely started as a WR3 in the majority of fantasy football leagues.

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