Jaylen Waddle vs Josh Downs: Who Should You Start?
If you are choosing between Jaylen Waddle and Josh Downs for your lineup, you are not alone. Jaylen Waddle finished the 2025 season at 10.1 PPG for the Denver Broncos (16 games), and Josh Downs averaged 6.7 for the Indianapolis Colts (16 games).
That 3.4-point weekly advantage for Jaylen Waddle is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
Both are workload receivers with similar target shares. Jaylen Waddle turned 100 targets into 910 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Josh Downs converted 88 looks into 566 yards and 4 scores. When target volume is this close, game script and defensive matchup typically decide the weekly winner.
Both share a Week 14 bye, which matters for roster construction. If you are stacking wide receivers this deep on your bench, plan your replacement wide receiver early.
