Josh Downs Fantasy outlook, stats and Week 4 start/sit for 2026
- Age
- 25
- Height / weight
- 5'9", 171 lb
- Experience
- 4th season
- Drafted
- 2023 R3, #79
2026 Season
- PPR PPG
- 10.9
- Pos rank
- WR34
- Rostered
- 87%
Week 4 at Commanders, Sun Oct 4, 9:30 AM ET 1st vs. WRs, favorable
Josh Downs Fantasy Football Stats & Analysis
Scoring rate
10.9 PPG
Played
3 games
Role
Depth
Trend
Stable
Josh Downs's 2026 Season, Week by Week
3 games played: two mid-range starts and one bust. The next four matchups include one of the league's softest pass defenses.
- Week 1, Loss,vs BAL,5.7,WR65
- Week 2, Loss,at KC,14.2,WR20
- Week 3, Win,vs HOU,12.7,WR31
- Up next. Week 4, Oct 4,at WAS,FavorableCommanders vs. WRs
- Week 5, Oct 11,at PIT,NeutralSteelers vs. WRs
- Week 6, Oct 18,vs TEN,NeutralTitans vs. WRs
- Week 7, Oct 25,at MIN,NeutralVikings vs. WRs
Matchup rank is PPR points allowed to WRs through Week 4. 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Should You Start or Roster Josh Downs?
Downs is averaging 10.9 PPR points per game through 3 games, with 14 catches for 186 yards and 0 TD on 24 targets. That ranks WR34, which makes him a flex option in 12-team leagues.
His target share (25.5%) is in the 81st percentile among WRs, the best of his efficiency marks; his fantasy points per target (1.36) is the weakest, in the 31st. His quarterback has been Daniel Jones.
His best week was WR20 in Week 2 at the Chiefs (14.2 points); his worst, WR65 in Week 1 against the Ravens (5.7). One favorable matchup is ahead: the Commanders (1st vs. WRs) in Week 4.
For the season-long call, whether to hold, trade or start him, check where Downs ranks among all WRs in Redraft Command.
What's Driving His Production
Percentile vs. every WR with at least 12 targets in 2026. The line marks the league median.
Target share
25.5%81st percentile, above average
Yards per target
7.850th percentile, about average
Catch rate
58.3%31st percentile, below average
Fantasy points per target
1.3631st percentile, below average
Josh Downs 2026 Game Log
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs Ravens | L 23–41 | 5.7 | WR65 |
| 2 | @ Chiefs | L 30–33 | 14.2 | WR20 |
| 3 | vs Texans | W 19–17 | 12.7 | WR31 |
| Total | 1–2 | 32.6 | WR34 |
Career Fantasy Stats by Season
| Season | Team | GP | Tgt | Rec | Rec yds | Rec TD | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | IND | 3 | 24 | 14 | 186 | 0 | 32.6 | 10.9 | — |
| 2025 | IND | 16 | 88 | 58 | 566 | 4 | 136.4 | 8.5 | WR44 |
| 2024 | IND | 14 | 107 | 72 | 803 | 5 | 183.5 | 13.1 | WR35 |
| 2023 | IND | 17 | 98 | 68 | 771 | 2 | 157.1 | 9.2 | WR43 |
| Career | 50 | 317 | 212 | 2,326 | 11 | 509.6 | 10.2 |
Rest-of-Season Outlook and Availability
Outlook
The math changes now that Michael Pittman is gone. Downs profiles as the clear top option, and his depth-of-target history suggests he can absorb Pittman's volume rather than stay boxed into the slot. He needs more snaps in two-receiver sets to fully cash in, but the path to leading Indianapolis in targets is open. Behind him on the depth chart: Anthony Gould. Full outlook
Injury status
Active, no designation
He has not missed a game this season. Career games missed to injury: 3. Injury history
- 2025head1 game
- 2025left hamstringPlayed through
- 2024shoulderPlayed through
- 2024ankle2 games
WRs like Josh Downs
Josh Downs Fantasy Football FAQ
Should I start Josh Downs in Week 4?
Josh Downs is a flex play in 12-team leagues for Week 4 at the Commanders, as the WR34 in PPR total points this season (10.9 a game). The Commanders rank 1st in PPR points allowed to WRs, a favorable matchup. Get the start/sit call for Downs.
How many fantasy points is Josh Downs averaging in 2026?
Josh Downs is averaging 10.9 PPR fantasy points per game in 2026, 32.6 points across 3 games. His last game produced 12.7 points.
Where does Josh Downs rank in fantasy football in 2026?
Josh Downs ranks WR34 in PPR total points in 2026, through 3 games. That makes him a flex play in 12-team leagues. View his complete season statistics.
Is Josh Downs worth rostering in fantasy football?
Yes, in the right league: Josh Downs is a flex play in 12-team PPR, 10-team PPR and half-PPR leagues. He is rostered in 87% of Sleeper leagues.
What is Josh Downs's fantasy football role?
Josh Downs is the Colts' starting WR, with Anthony Gould behind him. He is averaging 8.0 targets a game, on 79% of the offensive snaps in 2026.
What are Josh Downs's upcoming fantasy football matchups?
Josh Downs's next three games are Week 4 at the Commanders (1st in PPR points allowed to WRs, favorable), Week 5 at the Steelers (20th in PPR points allowed to WRs, neutral) and Week 6 vs. the Titans (14th in PPR points allowed to WRs, neutral). One of them is favorable by points allowed to the position.
How consistent has Josh Downs been in fantasy football this season?
Josh Downs has finished as a top-12 WR in 0 of his 3 games this season and outside the top 36 in 1. His weekly scoring has a standard deviation of 4.5 points around his 10.9-point average.
What is Josh Downs's fantasy floor and ceiling?
This season Josh Downs's floor has been 5.7 PPR points (Week 1, WR65) and his ceiling 14.2 (Week 2, WR20). His median week has been 12.7 points. See Downs's full game log.
Josh Downs 2026 Stats
2026 through Week 4 · Indianapolis ColtsHe hasn't scored a touchdown yet, so all of his fantasy production has come from volume.
Receiving
- Rec
- 14
- Yards
- 186
- TD
- 0
- Targets
- 24
13.3 Y/R58.3% Catch %
Fantasy (PPR)
- Points
- 32.6
- Pos rank
- WR34
14.2 Best Week 2 @ KC5.7 Worst Week 1 vs BAL
Advanced Receiving Stats
Downs is a short-area target (7.3 yards per target last season), with a 25.5% target share this season.
| Stat | 2026 Thru Wk 4 | 2025 15 games | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | ||||
| Yards per target | 7.8 | 44th | 6.0 | 14th |
| Fantasy points per target | 0.78 | 31st | 0.89 | 23rd |
| Yards per route run | — | — | 1.67 | 60th |
| YAC per reception | 4.9 | 71st | 2.4 | 15th |
| Catch rate | 58.3% | 37th | 64.3% | 61st |
| Usage | ||||
| Target share | 25.5% | 89th | 16.9% | 69th |
| Snap share | 80.0% | 75th | 58.4% | 43rd |
| Air-yards share | 43.6% | 92nd | 15.0% | 43rd |
| Red-zone targets | 4 | 80th | 15 | 84th |
| Route participation | — | — | 56.5% | 45th |
| Style | ||||
| Average depth of target | 11.7 | 51st | 7.3 | 10th |
Percentiles: 2026 through Week 4 among 102 qualified WRs · 2025 (15 games, weeks 1–17) among 116. Grey bars describe style, not quality.
Profile: Downs commands air yards and draws a big target share, but adds little after the catch.
For fantasy: his floor is his volume, 8.0 targets a game this season; efficiency decides how much of it becomes points.
Fantasy Points per Game, Every Season
10.9
Fantasy PPG
8.0
Targets/g
62
Rec yds/g
Josh Downs career stats by season
| Season | GP | Tgt | Rec | Rec yds | Rec TD | Rush yds | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026to date | 3 | 24 | 14 | 186 | 0 | 0 | 32.6 | 10.9 | — |
| 2025 | 16 | 88 | 58 | 566 | 4 | -2 | 136.4 | 8.5 | WR44 |
| 2024 | 14 | 107 | 72 | 803 | 5 | 12 | 183.5 | 13.1 | WR35 |
| 2023 | 17 | 98 | 68 | 771 | 2 | 0 | 157.1 | 9.2 | WR43 |
| Career | 50 | 317 | 212 | 2,326 | 11 | 10 | 509.6 | 10.2 | — |
What His Career Numbers Say
10.2
Career PPG
50 games over 4 seasons
93%
Availability
Share of team games he played
26%
Top-24 weeks
Share of his games as a top-24 WR
5.7
Weekly swing
Standard deviation, low
Downs has averaged 10.2 fantasy points per game over 50 games and 4 seasons, without a top-12 finish.
So far in 2026 he is at 10.9 per game, up 2.3 from 2025. Volume is the driver: 8.0 targets a game against 5.5. His quarterback this season has been Daniel Jones.
Career numbers describe the past; for what he is worth from here, see Downs's rest-of-season rank and trade value in Redraft Command.
Career highs
- 803Rec yards2024
- 5Rec TD2024
- 183.5Fantasy pts2024 · WR35
- 2,326Career rec yds2023–2026
WRs like Josh Downs
Josh Downs Stats FAQ
How many fantasy points does Josh Downs have in 2026?
Josh Downs has 32.6 PPR fantasy points in 2026 through Week 4, 10.9 per game across 3 games. That total ranks WR34 at the position. See how those numbers break down week by week.
How many receiving yards does Josh Downs have this season?
Josh Downs has 186 receiving yards in 2026 through Week 4, on 14 catches and 24 targets. His high was 77 yards, in Week 3 against the Texans.
How many receptions does Josh Downs have this season?
Josh Downs has 14 receptions in 2026 through Week 4, 4.7 a game, on 24 targets. His high was 7 catches, in Week 2 at the Chiefs.
How many targets does Josh Downs have this season?
Josh Downs has drawn 24 targets in 2026 through Week 4, 8.0 a game, and caught 58% of them. His high was 11 targets, in Week 3 against the Texans.
How many receiving touchdowns does Josh Downs have this season?
Josh Downs has no receiving touchdowns in 2026 through Week 4.
How many receiving yards per game is Josh Downs averaging?
Josh Downs is averaging 62.0 receiving yards per game in 2026, 186 yards across 3 games.
How many yards per reception is Josh Downs averaging?
Josh Downs is averaging 13.3 yards per reception in 2026, 186 yards on 14 catches.
How many games has Josh Downs played in 2026?
Josh Downs has played 3 games in the 2026 season through Week 4.
What were Josh Downs's stats last season?
In 2025, Josh Downs caught 58 of 88 targets for 566 yards and 4 touchdowns in 16 games. That was 136.4 PPR points (8.5 per game), a WR44 finish.
What are Josh Downs's career NFL stats?
Across 4 seasons and 50 games, Josh Downs has 212 catches for 2,326 yards and 11 touchdowns, for 509.6 PPR fantasy points (10.2 per game).
How many touchdowns does Josh Downs have in his career?
Josh Downs has 11 touchdowns in his NFL career: 0 rushing and 11 receiving, over 50 games.
How many career receiving yards does Josh Downs have?
Josh Downs has 2,326 career receiving yards over 4 seasons, on 212 catches.
Josh Downs Game Log 2026
Games played
3
FPTS/G (PPR)
10.9
Targets/g
8.0
Rec/g
4.7
Rec yds/g
62.0
Yds/rec
13.3
Across 3 games in 2026, Josh Downs has averaged 8.0 targets, 4.7 receptions and 10.9 PPR fantasy points per game. Josh Downs has finished as a top-12 WR in 0 of those weeks, and inside the top 24 in 1. The best week was Week 2 against KC (14.2 points); the lowest was Week 1 against BAL (5.7).
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | TGT | REC | REC YDS | REC TD | YPR | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BAL10th | L 23-41 | 5.7 | 4 | 2 | 37 | 0 | 18.5 | WR65 |
Week 1 · BAL · L 23-41 · 5.7 pts
How the 5.7 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 2 | KC30th | L 30-33 | 14.2 | 9 | 7 | 72 | 0 | 10.3 | WR20 |
Week 2 · KC · L 30-33 · 14.2 pts
How the 14.2 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 3 | HOU3rd | W 19-17 | 12.7 | 11 | 5 | 77 | 0 | 15.4 | WR31 |
Week 3 · HOU · W 19-17 · 12.7 pts
How the 12.7 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
Opponent rank is fantasy points allowed to WRs across 2026: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
One WR1 week, one WR2 week and one bust. For a wide receiver ranked WR34 overall, the spread matters more than the average: you get a top-24 ceiling and a waiver-wire floor.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Steady in a win vs. Houston
5/11, 77 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
WR1 week at Kansas City
7/9, 72 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Shut down by Baltimore
2/4, 37 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Fantasy Points By Week
- Weekly points
- Season average (10.9)
Upcoming Matchups
View matchup — Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders
View matchup — Indianapolis Colts vs Pittsburgh Steelers
View matchup — Indianapolis Colts vs Tennessee Titans
View matchup — Indianapolis Colts vs Minnesota Vikings
Josh Downs Game Log 2024
Games played
14
FPTS/G (PPR)
13.1
Targets/g
7.6
Rec/g
5.1
Rec yds/g
57.4
Yds/rec
11.2
Across 14 games in 2024, Josh Downs has averaged 7.6 targets, 5.1 receptions and 13.1 PPR fantasy points per game. Josh Downs has finished as a top-12 WR in 4 of those weeks, and inside the top 24 in 8. The best week was Week 4 against PIT (22.2 points); the lowest was Week 7 against MIA (1.3).
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | TGT | REC | REC YDS | REC TD | YPR | CAR | RUSH YDS | RUSH TD | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did not play | |||||||||||
| 2 | Did not play | |||||||||||
| 3 | CHI32nd | W 21-16 | 5.2 | 5 | 3 | 22 | 0 | 7.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR74 |
Week 3 · CHI · W 21-16 · 5.2 pts
How the 5.2 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 4 | PIT12th | W 27-24 | 22.2 | 9 | 8 | 82 | 1 | 10.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR8 |
Week 4 · PIT · W 27-24 · 22.2 pts
How the 22.2 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 5 | JAX9th | L 34-37 | 15.9 | 12 | 9 | 69 | 0 | 7.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR17 |
Week 5 · JAX · L 34-37 · 15.9 pts
How the 15.9 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 6 | TEN31st | W 20-17 | 19.5 | 9 | 7 | 66 | 1 | 9.4 | 1 | -1 | 0 | WR14 |
Week 6 · TEN · W 20-17 · 19.5 pts
How the 19.5 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 7 | MIA30th | W 16-10 | 1.3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR99 |
Week 7 · MIA · W 16-10 · 1.3 pts
How the 1.3 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 8 | HOU22nd | L 20-23 | 22.2 | 9 | 4 | 109 | 1 | 27.3 | 0 | 13 | 0 | WR6 |
Week 8 · HOU · L 20-23 · 22.2 pts
How the 22.2 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 9 | MIN1st | L 13-21 | 12.0 | 9 | 6 | 60 | 0 | 10.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR32 |
Week 9 · MIN · L 13-21 · 12.0 pts
How the 12.0 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 10 | BUF18th | L 20-30 | 14.2 | 10 | 7 | 72 | 0 | 10.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR20 |
Week 10 · BUF · L 20-30 · 14.2 pts
How the 14.2 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 11 | NYJ29th | W 28-27 | 19.4 | 5 | 5 | 84 | 1 | 16.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR11 |
Week 11 · NYJ · W 28-27 · 19.4 pts
How the 19.4 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 12 | DET5th | L 6-24 | 5.7 | 7 | 3 | 27 | 0 | 9.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR58 |
Week 12 · DET · L 6-24 · 5.7 pts
How the 5.7 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 13 | Did not play | |||||||||||
| 14 | Bye week | |||||||||||
| 15 | DEN24th | L 13-31 | 6.2 | 8 | 3 | 32 | 0 | 10.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR57 |
Week 15 · DEN · L 13-31 · 6.2 pts
How the 6.2 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 16 | TEN31st | W 38-30 | 15.1 | 4 | 3 | 61 | 1 | 20.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR23 |
Week 16 · TEN · W 38-30 · 15.1 pts
How the 15.1 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 17 | NYG14th | L 33-45 | 5.2 | 4 | 3 | 22 | 0 | 7.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR72 |
Week 17 · NYG · L 33-45 · 5.2 pts
How the 5.2 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 18 | JAX9th | W 26-23 | 19.4 | 13 | 10 | 94 | 0 | 9.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR12 |
Week 18 · JAX · W 26-23 · 19.4 pts
How the 19.4 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
Opponent rank is fantasy points allowed to WRs across 2024: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
Eight WR1 weeks, one WR2 week and five busts. For a wide receiver who finished WR32 overall, the spread mattered more than the average: you got a top-24 ceiling and a waiver-wire floor.
Wk 3 WR74 · Wk 4 WR8 · Wk 5 WR17 · Wk 6 WR14 · Wk 7 WR99 · Wk 8 WR6 · Wk 9 WR32 · Wk 10 WR20 · Wk 11 WR11 · Wk 12 WR58 · Wk 15 WR57 · Wk 16 WR23 · Wk 17 WR72 · Wk 18 WR12
Game-by-Game Breakdown
WR1 week vs. Jacksonville
10/13, 94 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Shut down by the Giants
3/4, 22 yds.
Just 5.5 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
WR1 week vs. Tennessee
3/4, 61 yds, 1 TD.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Shut down by Denver
3/8, 32 yds.
Just 4.0 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Shut down by Detroit
3/7, 27 yds.
Just 3.9 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
WR1 week at the Jets
5/5, 84 yds, 1 TD.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
WR1 week vs. Buffalo
7/10, 72 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed right at his season average.
Steady in a loss at Minnesota
6/9, 60 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed right at his season average.
WR1 week at Houston
4/9, 109 yds, 1 TD.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Held in check by Miami
1/3, 3 yds.
Just 1.0 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
WR1 week at Tennessee
7/9, 66 yds, 1 TD. 1 carry, -1 rush yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
WR1 week at Jacksonville
9/12, 69 yds.
Just 5.8 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
WR1 week vs. Pittsburgh
8/9, 82 yds, 1 TD.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Held in check by Chicago
3/5, 22 yds.
Just 4.4 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
WRs like Josh Downs
Josh Downs Game Log FAQ
How did Josh Downs do in his last game?
Josh Downs scored 12.7 PPR points in Week 3 against the Texans, a 19–17 win, a WR31 finish. He caught 5 of 11 targets for 77 yards. View his 2026 season totals.
How many fantasy points did Josh Downs score in his last game?
Josh Downs scored 12.7 PPR fantasy points in his last game, Week 3 against the Texans, a WR31 finish for the week. That was 1.8 above his season average of 10.9.
How many receiving yards did Josh Downs have in his last game?
Josh Downs had 77 receiving yards on 5 catches in Week 3 against the Texans, from 11 targets.
How many touchdowns did Josh Downs score in his last game?
Josh Downs did not score a touchdown in Week 3 against the Texans; his 12.7 points came from yardage and catches.
How many receptions did Josh Downs have in his last game?
Josh Downs caught 5 of 11 targets for 77 yards in Week 3 against the Texans.
What were Josh Downs's stats in Week 2?
In Week 2 at the Chiefs, a 33–30 loss, Josh Downs caught 7 of 9 targets for 72 yards. That was 14.2 PPR points, a WR20 finish.
What was Josh Downs's best game this season?
Josh Downs's best 2026 game was Week 2 at the Chiefs: 14.2 PPR points, a WR20 finish. He caught 7 of 9 targets for 72 yards.
What was Josh Downs's worst game this season?
Josh Downs's lowest-scoring 2026 game was Week 1 against the Ravens: 5.7 PPR points, a WR65 finish. He caught 2 of 4 targets for 37 yards.
How many games has Josh Downs scored a touchdown in this season?
Josh Downs has scored a touchdown in 0 of his 3 games this season.
Can I see Josh Downs's game logs from previous seasons?
Yes. The season selector above the game log switches it to Downs's weekly results from any season from 2023 through 2025.
Josh Downs Rest-of-Season Outlook
Target-heavy WR3 with flex weeks
Preseason Projection vs. Reality
He finished WR44 last season at 8.5 points per game.
Our Take After Week 4
Through 3 games he's WR34 at 10.9 PPR points per game, against 8.5 over 16 games last season (WR44). He's running ahead of last season's pace.
Last season he ranked 35th of 142 in target volume (16.6% target share), 62nd of 142 in downfield role (15.0% air-yards share) and 44th of 142 in efficiency (1.73 yards per route run). His points come from his target volume. Downfield role is the soft spot. Daniel Jones is his quarterback.
The main risk is the job itself. He's the listed starter with Anthony Gould next on the depth chart, and a benching or an injury would take his value to zero overnight.
The next favorable matchup is the Commanders in Week 4 (1st against WRs).
Read our preseason outlook (June 2026)
Published June 17, 2026. Kept for reference; the take above replaces it.
Downs has been quietly efficient since arriving, but 2025 was a step back on paper: 58 catches for 566 yards and 4 scores across 16 games, with his EPA per play sliding to 0.098 and yards per route run dipping to 1.73 after sitting at 2.33 the year prior. The encouraging signs are his 16.6% target share, a healthy 50% success rate, and 15 red-zone looks despite a crowded room. His age-23 ceiling is the real benchmark: 72-803-5 on 21.7% of targets and a 0.421 WOPR.
The math changes now that Michael Pittman is gone. Downs profiles as the clear top option, and his depth-of-target history suggests he can absorb Pittman's volume rather than stay boxed into the slot. He needs more snaps in two-receiver sets to fully cash in, but the path to leading Indianapolis in targets is open. With WR40-50 draft value, he's a sensible upside bet who only needs the role to follow the opportunity.
What Drives His Outlook
His 2025 rank among the 142 receivers who played at least six games. Each bar is one receiver, best on the left; his is highlighted.
Target volume
Downfield role
Efficiency
- Average depth of target
- 7.5
- Drop rate
- 4.5%
- Red-zone targets
- 15
- Route participation
- 57.1%
- YAC per reception
- 2.5
What Could Change His Value
Upside
- A soft spotThe Commanders in Week 4 is a top-10 matchup for WRs.Wk 4 WAS, 1stWk 5 PIT, 20thWk 6 TEN, 14thWk 7 MIN, 13th
- Heavy target volume16.6% target share, 35th of 142 WRs in 2025.
- Strong efficiency1.73 yards per route run, 44th of 142 WRs in 2025.
Risk
- Job securityAnthony Gould is next on the depth chart; a benching or injury hands him the job.
WRs like Josh Downs
Josh Downs Fantasy Outlook FAQ
What is Josh Downs's fantasy outlook for the rest of the 2026 season?
Josh Downs projects as a target-heavy WR3 with flex weeks for the rest of the 2026 season: a flex play in 12-team PPR, 10-team PPR and half-PPR leagues. His target volume (16.6% target share, 35th of 142 WRs in 2025) supports that. His downfield role (15.0% air-yards share, 62nd of 142 WRs in 2025) holds him back. See his live rank in Redraft Command.
What is Josh Downs's rest-of-season fantasy ranking?
Josh Downs is the WR34 in PPR points per game through Week 4. That puts him in WR3 territory, a flex play in 10-team PPR leagues.
What is Josh Downs's projected role going forward?
Josh Downs is the listed starting WR, with Anthony Gould next on the depth chart. Nothing on the chart threatens the job, so the role is his to lose on performance.
Will Josh Downs get more targets?
Josh Downs's targets are trending up: 10.0 a game over his last two games against 8.0 for the season. His share of the offense is what his fantasy value rides on.
What is Josh Downs's fantasy football upside?
Josh Downs's upside: his ceiling this season is 14.2 PPR points (Week 2, WR20), his target volume (16.6% target share, 35th of 142 WRs in 2025) gives him a weekly floor to build on and the Commanders in Week 4 is a top-10 matchup for WRs.
What could hurt Josh Downs's fantasy value?
Josh Downs's risks: Anthony Gould is next on the depth chart if he is benched or hurt and his downfield role (15.0% air-yards share, 62nd of 142 WRs in 2025) limits his scoring. See his injury status and history.
How difficult is Josh Downs's remaining fantasy schedule?
About average: of his next seven games, 1 comes against a top-10 matchup for WRs and 1 against one of the stingiest defenses, by PPR points allowed to the position.
Josh Downs Injury Update & History
Practice participation
Week 4 reports: Wed, Thu, FriDowns hasn't appeared on an injury report this season.
Injury History at a Glance
Four logged injuries in four seasons. Most of his lost time came from a high ankle sprain in 2024; nothing else has cost him more than 1 game.
Durability
100/100
Games missed
Injuries
Longest absence
High ankle sprain · 2024
Where He's Been Hurt
Marker size shows games missed. A dashed ring means he played through it.
| Body part | Injuries | Games missed |
|---|---|---|
| Ankle | 1 | 2 |
| Concussion | 1 | 1 |
| Hamstring | 1 | 0 |
| Shoulder | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 4 | 3 |
Injury risk profile: Moderate
- No body part injured twice
- Concussion in 2025, 1 game missed
- 3 games in 4 seasons, 2 of them in 2024
- 4 injuries spread across 4 body parts
Josh Downs Injury History
Every logged injury, most recent first. Games missed are regular-season games.
- 2026
Healthy 0 games missed
No injury has cost Downs a game this season.
- 2025
Concussion 1 game
Was inactive for the Week 7 game after being diagnosed with a concussion.
- 2025
Hamstring · Left Played through
Left a mid-August practice with a left hamstring injury after a play.
- 2024
Shoulder Played through
Injured his shoulder in the Week 12 game against the Detroit Lions, and while he returned to the game, he missed practice the following Wednesday.
- 2024
High Ankle Sprain 2 games
Sustained a high ankle sprain during a 7-on-7 practice drill in early August with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks.
If Downs Misses Time
Next man up: Anthony Gould
Anthony Gould is next on the Colts depth chart at wide receiver. The targets would likely spread across the offense rather than pass to one player, so he's a waiver add only if Downs misses time.
Who else it affects
His absence would move work to the rest of the offense, and Daniel Jones would lose one of his main options.
WRs like Josh Downs
Josh Downs Injury FAQ
Is Josh Downs injured?
No. As of October 2, 2026, Josh Downs is active with no injury designation. He has played every game in 2026.
Is Josh Downs playing this week?
Josh Downs has no injury designation for Week 4 at the Commanders on Sunday, October 4, so he is on track to play. Should you start him?
Has Josh Downs missed any games this season?
No. Josh Downs has played in every Colts game in 2026, 3 games so far.
What is Josh Downs's injury history?
Josh Downs has 4 logged NFL injuries, which have cost him 3 games in all: 2 for a high ankle sprain in 2024 and 1 for a concussion in 2025. No body part has been injured twice.
What was Josh Downs's most recent injury?
Josh Downs's most recent logged injury was a concussion in Week 7 of 2025. It cost him 1 game.
Does Josh Downs have any recurring injuries?
No. Josh Downs's four logged injuries were to four different body parts, so the record shows no recurring pattern.
What was Josh Downs's worst injury?
Josh Downs's longest absence came from a high ankle sprain in 2024, which cost him 2 games of the 3 he has missed in his career.
Latest Josh Downs News & Updates
Downs solid in win vs. Houston
5 REC, 77 YDS (11 TGT)
12.7 fantasy points · WR31
Downs caught 5 of 11 targets for 77 yards in the 19–17 win vs. Houston. That was 31% of the team's targets.
Season Timeline
Every update this season, grouped by week, newest first.
Week 3Sep 27W 19–17 vs HOU
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Seven catches as Pierce (heel) exits (opens in new tab)
Reeled in seven receptions, benefiting from Pierce's heel exit.
Fantasy take: He played in Week 3: 12.7 PPR points, a WR31 finish.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Week 2Sep 20L 30–33 @ KC
Fantasy impact: Positive. Downs solid in loss at Kansas City
14.2 fantasy points · WR20 · 3.3 above his 10.9 average
Downs caught 7 of 9 targets for 72 yards in the 33–30 loss at Kansas City. That was 30% of the team's targets.
Game logWeek 1Sep 13L 23–41 vs BAL
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Catches two passes in Week 1 (opens in new tab)
Hauled in two receptions in the Week 1 contest.
Fantasy take: He played in Week 1: 5.7 PPR points, a WR65 finish.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Negative. Downs struggles vs. Baltimore
5.7 fantasy points · WR65 · 5.2 below his 10.9 average
Downs caught 2 of 4 targets for 37 yards in the 41–23 loss vs. Baltimore. That was 14% of the team's targets.
Game logPreseasonSeptember
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Taking part in Tuesday's practice (opens in new tab)
Practicing Tuesday, trending toward availability.
Fantasy take: Practice and camp notes are context; his usage in games is what moves his value.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Calf injury appears minor (opens in new tab)
Minor calf injury shouldn't lead to significant missed time.
Fantasy take: A preseason health note; his Week 1 availability is what matters for fantasy.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Tending to calf issue (opens in new tab)
Nursing a calf injury, bears monitoring before game day.
Fantasy take: A preseason health note; his Week 1 availability is what matters for fantasy.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Held out with injury (opens in new tab)
Sidelined by an injury, leaving his status worth monitoring.
Fantasy take: A preseason health note; his Week 1 availability is what matters for fantasy.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Returned to Saturday's practice (opens in new tab)
Back at practice Saturday, trending toward availability.
Fantasy take: Practice and camp notes are context; his usage in games is what moves his value.
Read full report (opens in new tab)
No updates of this type yet this season.
Colts Teammates News
Updates on Downs's quarterback and target competition.
- Daniel Jones: Comes up just short in KC (opens in new tab)Daniel Jones, QB. 98 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Tyler Warren: Short TD among six Week 2 grabs (opens in new tab)Tyler Warren, TE. 22 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Keenan Allen: Facing league suspension (opens in new tab)Keenan Allen, WR. 20 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Keenan Allen: Formally facing charges (opens in new tab)Keenan Allen, WR. 20 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Daniel Jones: Lackluster showing to open '26 (opens in new tab)Daniel Jones, QB. 98 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Keenan Allen: Will play Week 1, per GM (opens in new tab)Keenan Allen, WR. 20 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
Around the Colts
WRs like Josh Downs
Josh Downs News FAQ
What is the latest news on Josh Downs?
The latest Downs update, from September 27: Downs solid in win vs. Houston. Downs caught 5 of 11 targets for 77 yards in the 19–17 win vs. Houston. That was 31% of the team's targets.
How does the latest Josh Downs news affect his fantasy value?
Not much: he scored 12.7 fantasy points, a WR31 finish, 1.8 above his 10.9 average. See the updated fantasy outlook.
Josh Downs Bio
Josh Downs is a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, where he wears No. 2. Born August 12, 2001, in Suwanee, GA, he attended North Gwinnett and played college football at North Carolina.
The Indianapolis Colts selected Downs in round 3, pick 79, of the 2023 NFL Draft.
In 50 regular-season games since 2023, he has caught 212 passes for 2,326 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Career Timeline
1 stop with 1 team in 4 seasons. Each block's width is the time he spent there.
What happened at each stop
Indianapolis Colts Current team2023–present
Selected in round 3, pick 79, of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was a starter, playing at least half the offensive snaps in 45 of 50 games.
College: North Carolina
Transactions
- SignedSigned with the Indianapolis Colts.
- DraftedSelected by the Indianapolis Colts in round 3, pick 79.
WRs like Josh Downs
About Josh Downs: Bio FAQ
How old is Josh Downs?
Josh Downs is 25 years old. He was born on August 12, 2001. 2026 is his 4th NFL season.
How tall is Josh Downs?
Josh Downs is 5 feet 9 inches tall (5'9"), listed at 171 pounds, and plays wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.
How much does Josh Downs weigh?
Josh Downs weighs 171 pounds, his listed weight on the Indianapolis Colts roster. He is listed at 5'9".
What number does Josh Downs wear?
Josh Downs wears number 2 for the Indianapolis Colts. He plays wide receiver.
What position does Josh Downs play?
Josh Downs plays wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, wearing number 2. 2026 is his 4th season in the NFL.
What team does Josh Downs play for?
Josh Downs plays for the Indianapolis Colts as a wide receiver. He has been with the Colts since 2023.
Where did Josh Downs go to college?
Josh Downs played college football at North Carolina, after attending North Gwinnett (GA). The Indianapolis Colts drafted him out of North Carolina in 2023.
When was Josh Downs drafted?
The Indianapolis Colts selected Josh Downs in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 79th overall pick, out of North Carolina.
What round was Josh Downs drafted in?
Josh Downs was a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, taken 79th overall by the Indianapolis Colts.
What pick was Josh Downs in the NFL Draft?
Josh Downs was the 79th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round.
Where is Josh Downs from?
Josh Downs went to high school in Georgia, at North Gwinnett, before playing college football at North Carolina.
When is Josh Downs's birthday?
Josh Downs's birthday is August 12. He was born on August 12, 2001 and is 25 years old.
How long has Josh Downs been in the NFL?
2026 is Josh Downs's 4th NFL season; he entered the league in 2023 as a third-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts. View his career statistics.
What teams has Josh Downs played for?
Josh Downs has played for the Indianapolis Colts. View his career statistics.
What year did Josh Downs enter the NFL?
Josh Downs entered the NFL in 2023, when the Indianapolis Colts drafted him in the third round. 2026 is his 4th season.