Should I start Josh Downs in Week 1?
WR · IND · Bye 13
Week 1 · 2026 season · Consensus updated September 3 at 1:20 PM EDT
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Consensus WR35 — flex-worthy, not an automatic start.
Week 1 consensus by format
| Format | WR rank | Best | Worst | Split | Flex rank | Proj. pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPR | WR35 | 28 | 43 | ±3.8 | #67 | 11.3 |
| Half PPR | WR38 | 31 | 44 | ±3.4 | #75 | 9.1 |
| Standard | WR41 | 34 | 49 | ±4.2 | #86 | 6.8 |
Expert consensus and ownership data via FantasyPros · rostered in 80% of ESPN and Yahoo leagues
Latest news
- Josh Downs (calf) practices Tuesday
Josh Downs practiced on Tuesday.
Ari Koslow · FantasyPros · Sep 1, 12:17 PM EDT
- Josh Downs (calf) not practicing Wednesday
Josh Downs did not practice on Wednesday.
Ari Koslow · FantasyPros · Aug 26, 1:55 PM EDT
- Josh Downs (undisclosed) won't practice Tuesday
Josh Downs (undisclosed) is not participating in Indianapolis' practice on Tuesday.
Leo Sells · FantasyPros · Aug 25, 4:09 PM EDT
What the analysts are saying
“Downs missed time last week with a calf issue. He is on track to be good to go for the season opener next week.”
Ranked around him this week
The WRs directly above and below on the Week 1 consensus board — the players you're actually choosing between.
- #33Carnell TateFlex
- #34Chris Godwin Jr.Flex
- #35Courtland SuttonFlex
- #35Josh DownsFlex
- #37Michael Pittman Jr.Sit
- #38Wan'Dale RobinsonSit
- #39Brian Thomas Jr.Sit
See the full boards
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I start Josh Downs in Week 1?
- Flex option. Consensus WR35 — flex-worthy, not an automatic start. The expert range runs from #28 to #43. The consensus projection is 11.3 PPR points.
- Where is Josh Downs ranked for Week 1?
- The FantasyPros expert consensus has Josh Downs at WR35 for Week 1, and flex #68 among RB/WR/TE in PPR. The expert range runs from #28 to #43.