Should I start Darnell Washington or Josh Downs this week? Week 7 Standard (2026)

THE FF CALL

Slight lean: Darnell Washington

+0.5 projected edge · Standard

Start Darnell Washington over Josh Downs for Week 7 Standard: 5.3 projected points versus 4.8.

Darnell Washington: 6.1 FP recent scoring average; 2.5% matchup lift against NO.
Josh Downs: 3.7 FP recent scoring average; 3.75% matchup reduction against MIN.

Forecast updated Oct 25, 2026, 1:02 AM ET · Standard

FF PICK

Darnell Washington

TE · PITStats & schedule

5.3FF projected

↓ -0.5 vs ESPN

at NO

Sun 9:30 AM ET

THE ALTERNATIVE

Josh Downs

WR · INDStats & schedule

4.8FF projected

↑ +0.3 vs ESPN

at MIN

Sun 1:00 PM ET

Why this pick?

Darnell Washington

Fortified5.3

ESPN5.8

Sleeper4.3

FantasyPros—

Darnell Washington faces NO in Week 7. Recent scoring average: 6.1 fantasy points. The position-specific defensive matchup adjusts the forecast up 2.5%.

Josh Downs

Fortified4.8

ESPN4.5

Sleeper5.6

FantasyPros—

Josh Downs faces MIN in Week 7. Recent scoring average: 3.7 fantasy points. The position-specific defensive matchup adjusts the forecast down 3.75%.

Darnell Washington projects for 5.3 points in standard scoring, 0.5 more than Josh Downs. The gap is small; late injury news or your league’s scoring can change the choice.

Updated Oct 25, 2026, 1:02 AM ET. Projections can change before kickoff.

Actuals, projections & playoff outlook

Your next decision

Tap a player for alternatives, or search a name.

First playerSecond player

SEE THE WHOLE SEASON

Don’t just win Sunday.
Win what’s next.

Your roster. Every week.
A plan for the playoffs.

WEEK 7PLAYOFFS ♛

Build my Game Plan Your team. Your league’s rules.

Scoring & lineup notes

PPR awards one point per reception; half-PPR awards 0.5; standard awards none. Custom league rules can change the result. Confirm active status, kickoff and lineup locks. Projections are estimates; completed-week scores are actuals.