Who Should I Start? Alec Pierce or Calvin Austin III

Sunday, April 19, 8:05 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce was paid like a top-tier receiver this offseason, signing a four-year, $114 million extension. It's a hard-earned payday for Pierce, who eclipsed 1,000 yards last season and was the WR28 in PPR leagues. Still, it's a big investment for a receiver who had been third on the depth chart less than 12 months earlier. Now that he's paid like a No. 1 receiver, managers should expect him to be targeted like one every single week. His target rate will presumably increase from last year's mark of 5.6 targets per game. With Michael Pittman Jr. gone, the Colts could ask Pierce to abandon his deep-threat playing style and serve as more of a medium-range target for Daniel Jones. This might mean fewer explosive touchdowns, but it should result in a higher target share and more consistent production week in and week out. A 25-year-old who is under contract for four years is typically a very safe and dependable option for fantasy managers, as he has job security and the team is investing enough money to force-feed him targets. Managers should hold Pierce, who ranks as the WR35 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings and possesses top-24 upside.