Who Should I Start? Alec Pierce or Bucky Irving

Friday, December 19, 8:28 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce caught his only target for 16 yards in the 18-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Last week marked the first game Pierce has played without Daniel Jones, who tore his Achilles in Week 14. His connection with Jones was exceptional, as Pierce was having the best season of his career before the injury. Now, 44-year-old Philip Rivers is the starting quarterback for the Colts, and his showing against the Seahawks didn't offer any relief for Pierce and his fantasy outlook. Rivers averaged 4.4 yards per attempt and only had two completions over 10 yards last week. Not ideal for Pierce, who currently leads the NFL in yards per completion this season. The fourth-year receiver is better left on the bench than in starting lineups this week, as he looks to overcome the lack of deep-passing ability that Rivers has.

Wednesday, December 17, 10:13 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving took on the majority of the workload in Week 15, totaling just 71 scrimmage yards on 17 attempts. Since returning from shoulder and foot injuries in Week 13, Irving has totaled 233 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 53 attempts, averaging 13.4 PPR points per game. While he started the season as the primary workhorse in this Buccaneers' offense, Irving has been limited to just 54% of the snaps, while backups Rachaad White (43% and Sean Tucker (14%) have been factors. Irving faces the Carolina Panthers defense in Week 16, which has allowed the tenth-most fantasy points to running backs this season. In his only two games against the Panthers in his career, he has had over 185 scrimmage yards in both outings. In a must-win game for the Buccaneers and with his favorable history against Carolina, look for Irving to unleash in Week 16.