After watching Gardner Minshew run the Indianapolis Colts‘ offense for most of 2023, young quarterback Anthony Richardson provided a very different look in Week 1 of 2024, and wideout Alec Pierce was a big beneficiary.
The third-year pro flashed fantastic big-play ability against the favored Houston Texans, but is it sustainable? Let’s talk about what to expect from him for the rest of the year as a fantasy asset.
Alec Pierce’s Fantasy Outlook for the Remainder of the 2024 Season
Pierce’s Week 1 stat line was a fascinating one. Pierce caught just three passes, but with the help of a 60-yard play, he put up 125 yards and a touchdown.
Really, Pierce’s production was indicative of the Colts’ overall offensive approach in this game, as Richardson put up 212 passing yards despite throwing the ball just 19 times and completing only nine of those passes.
The Colts didn’t take long to show that with Richardson and his game-breaking ability, they’re going to be a boom-or-bust offense when the situation requires it.
That isn’t to say that they won’t be playing methodical football at any point. Their offensive line figures to be a good one, and Jonathan Taylor remains a top running back in the NFL.
Pierce is going to be a matchup-to-matchup decision when it comes to fantasy.
When the Colts are able to control the football and play slowly, he’s probably not going to be a big factor. Even when they do go to the air in such situations, expect top wideout Michael Pittman Jr. and tight end Mo Alie-Cox to hoard the targets.
However, when the Colts are playing from behind, or expect that they will be, expect them to use Richardson’s big arm to take shots downfield.
Pierce could have some good games in those scenarios, but don’t underestimate rookie Adonai Mitchell, who didn’t establish himself in this game but possesses game-breaking speed as well.
All in all, Pierce is not someone you’re going to want in your fantasy lineup every week. He’s picked up between 500 and 600 yards in each of his first two pro seasons, making him a tertiary option for Indianapolis, at best. However, big games have been dotted out through those seasons, so his production could come in spurts.
Rostering Pierce or targeting him on the waiver wire could be a productive strategy when filling holes in your lineup left by players who are on bye or injured.
However, if he’s already on your roster and someone in your league comes in with a valuable offer, consider parting ways with Pierce if you have any sort of receiver depth.