Alec Pierce was the hidden secret to fantasy football success in Week 1. On three receptions, he recorded 125 receiving yards and a touchdown. With Josh Downs missing the game, Pierce stepped up big for the Indianapolis Colts, even in a loss.
Pierce took advantage of Anthony Richardson’s cannon arm all game long. The issue is that Pierce is exceptionally inconsistent, making it hard to trust him when you see him on the waiver wire.
Pierce is a deep-threat machine. According to TruMedia, his 41.7 yards per reception was the best in the NFL, and he approached 40 air yards per target, which topped the league. This stat shows he is a deep threat who can goose-egg your fantasy lineup or give you a week-winning performance. Is that a worthwhile endeavor ahead of Week 2?
Should Alec Pierce Be Added From the Fantasy Waiver Wire in Week 2?
Do not fall into the trap of Pierce and this stellar Week 1. Look at the abovementioned numbers instead; they are not easily replicated consistently. If you added Pierce, you are putting yourself in a situation where you must guess correctly which week he will be helpful for your fantasy lineups. Pierce has shades of players such as Marques Valdez-Scantling or Gabe Davis, yet he is a less talented version of both examples.
The Colts also have Michael Pittman Jr. and Jonathan Taylor as the main options in the offense. Richardson’s mobility is another bow in the Colts’ arsenal, too, taking away opportunities in the red zone. Finally, Indianapolis will return Downs to their lineup soon, leaving a minimal target share for Pierce to take advantage of.
MORE: Fantasy News Tracker
Looking at the immediate future, the Colts play the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. With the Packers losing Jordan Love, this game will no longer be the shootout we expected, leaving the high-ceiling potential for all of Indy’s weapons in danger of bust territory.
Pierce had a great game, but he is not even a top-three offensive weapon for the Colts. Pierce wasn’t even a top-three option last year when Downs was a rookie. Indianapolis added Adonai Mitchell, pushing Pierce down the depth chart most weeks as the rookie improves his standing.
Pierce may be a unique play for a GPP DFS lineup, but for the typical fantasy team, you’ll feel the pain of his bad games more than you’ll reap his rewards. They say a broken clock is right twice a day, but Pierce is not a consistent option that we should spend our time on in fantasy football.
Our consensus rankings show there are plenty of other wide receivers who can help elevate your roster instantly in Week 2. Fade the wind sprints that Pierce provides, and you’ll be happy when you didn’t waste a waiver wire selection on this Colts wide receiver.