One NFL analyst is picking Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs to have a big season in 2026.
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports selected one breakout candidate from each AFC team, and Downs was his selection for the Colts.
In short, more opportunities will be coming Downs’ way this season following Michael Pittman’s departure.
“Downs had 88 targets last season (third most on the team), so it’s conceivable that he’s earmarked for 100 targets in 2026, setting the stage for a true breakout,” Sullivan wrote. “Downs has been solid throughout the first three years of his career, including a 2024 season in which he logged 803 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Yet, the 24-year-old is still not recognized by the general public. That could change in 2026 with a larger role expected, along with Daniel Jones back for his second season with the organization.”
Downs totaled over 1,500 receiving yards during his first two NFL seasons, and was one of the more productive slot wideouts in football.
He was still a big part of the Colts’ offense in 2025, totaling 84 targets, but his opportunities and production dipped with the emergence of tight end Tyler Warren.
But with Pittman now in Pittsburgh, there are 110 targets from last season now up for grabs. Replicating Pittman’s production will be a group effort, but Downs figures to be a big part of that equation.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Why analyst believes a big year is incoming for Colts’ WR Josh Downs
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
