Josh Downs vs Troy Franklin: Who Should You Start?
Josh Downs and Troy Franklin are both viable fantasy wide receivers heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Josh Downs averaged 6.7 PPG across 16 games with the Indianapolis Colts, while Troy Franklin posted 8.5 PPG in 17 appearances for the Denver Broncos.
A 1.8-PPG gap gives Troy Franklin the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both are workload receivers with similar target shares. Josh Downs turned 88 targets into 566 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Troy Franklin converted 104 looks into 709 yards and 6 scores. When target volume is this close, game script and defensive matchup typically decide the weekly winner.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 14 bye. That means you need a backup plan at wide receiver for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
