Who Should I Start? Alec Pierce or Calvin Austin III

Tuesday, November 25, 11:30 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce put up a dud in his team's Week 12 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, recording just one catch for 26 yards on two targets. It was a disappointing result for the 25-year-old, as he had been showing signs of a breakout before the team's Week 11 bye. Across nine games this season, Pierce leads the NFL in yards per reception (21.1). At the same time, he's averaging a career-best six targets per game. Across four games before Indianapolis' Week 11 bye, Pierce's target rate had spiked even higher to 8.8 per contest. While Week 12 showcases that Pierce can still have bust weeks, he also holds explosive upside. Pierce should remain a waiver-wire priority in fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams heading into his Week 13 matchup against the Houston Texans.

Friday, November 21, 10:53 AM

Across eight games this season, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has recorded 22 receptions for 242 yards and two touchdowns on 37 targets. It's been a struggle for the 26-year-old over in recent weeks, as he's hauled in just three catches for 19 yards on eight targets over his last two games. Perhaps most notably, Austin III saw a significant drop in playing time in the Steelers' Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Austin III played just 19 offensive snaps against Cincinnati, his lowest total in any game this season and nearly 20 fewer than fellow Steelers wideout Roman Wilson. Heading into a Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears, Austin III could be fading into a depth role in Pittsburgh. He should not be trusted as a fantasy starter against Chicago.