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Josh Downs faces roster questions ahead of Week 1 fantasy matchups

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 12, 2026, 11:34 AM

Last updated Sep 12, 2026

Josh Downs faces roster questions ahead of Week 1 fantasy matchups
Summary

Josh Downs enters Week 1 of the fantasy football season as a target-dependent wide receiver. While he averaged nine targets per game when seeing a full route share last year, his outlook has shifted following offseason personnel changes. Michael Pittman joined the Steelers in March, and the subsequent signing of Keenan Allen has complicated the target distribution in Indianapolis. Downs is currently ranked 32nd among wide receivers in Pro Football Network's Week 1 projections. Despite this ranking, observers remain cautiously optimistic about his potential volume within the Indianapolis offense. The team faces a Ravens defense that ranked among the top 10 in defending short passes during the previous season.

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Key Details
  • •Josh Downs is ranked 32nd among wide receivers in Pro Football Network's Week 1 rankings.
  • •The Indianapolis receiver averaged nine targets per game when playing at least 35 routes.
  • •Michael Pittman signed with the Steelers in March.
  • •Keenan Allen joined the Indianapolis roster later in the offseason.
  • •The Ravens ranked as a top-10 unit against short passes last year.
Latest Updates
  • 11:34 AMYahoo Sports — Josh Downs Fantasy Week 1 Start or Sit: Looking for Reasons to Buy
What they're saying
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With Michael Pittman in Pittsburgh and Keenan Allen signed months later, the target math in Indianapolis is still moving. Downs lands 32nd among wide receivers in PFN’s Week 1 rankings.

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