The Indianapolis Colts will host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding WR Josh Downs.
Is Downs Playing in Week 16?
Downs is not on the injury report and barring a surprise, he is expected to play.
We’ll continue to monitor the Colts’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Downs in Week 16?
For the season, I’ve been underwhelmed by Josh Downs. I think he has the potential to be a very impactful piece on a very good offense thanks to his ability to shake free in the slot and make the most of plays with the ball in his hands.
We haven’t really seen that come to light this season, but he did catch Philip Rivers’ lone touchdown pass of Week 15 and was in the slot for 85.4% of his routes. If the Colts are going to find a way to stay in the mix, Downs likely plays a big part in it, but I can’t bring myself to trust him, even against a 49ers defense that can be had.
The yardage upside isn’t going to be there. Even with this passing game overachieving for 2+ months, Downs doesn’t have a 60-yard game on his 2025 resume. That means you need either volume (Indy protected Rivers on Sunday and I’d be shocked if we see him approach 30 pass attempts at any point) or TD equity (11 career end zone looks across his 44 games, three this season).
His role in the shallow pass game should allow him to be efficient, but even an efficient day on 4-6 targets without much scoring upside isn’t going to crack the top 30 at the position most weeks.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Cheat Sheet.
Downs’ Fantasy Points Projection in Week 16
Downs is projected to score 10.0 fantasy points in PPR formats.
We project Downs to have 4 receptions for 46 yards and 0.2 touchdowns. Downs could also add 0 rushing yards.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 16 Weather Impact: 49ers at Colts
Since the Colts play in a dome, there is no weather impact for this Week 16 matchup. Temperatures will be a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit with no wind.
