Who Should I Start? Alec Pierce or Jahmyr Gibbs

Sunday, December 21, 1:13 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce was a disappointment for fantasy managers in Week 15's loss to the Seahawks, and he won't be any easier to trust for this Monday's bout with the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Pierce corralled his lone target (16 yards) in last Sunday's loss to Seattle and was the only Colts' pass-catcher to command fewer than four looks. The former Cincinnati Bearcat made his money all season on downfield throws, while also evolving his game in the intermediate area of the field. However, his value will take a considerable hit with quarterback Philip Rivers manning the offense. At 44 years of age, the veteran's arm strength is limited, and that showed in spades during last week's contest. Considering Pierce's archetype doesn't precisely line up with Rivers' capabilities, he's perhaps the riskiest fantasy play of all Colts' wideouts, ranking as RotoBaller's PPR WR66 for his Monday Night Football matchup.

Monday, December 22, 11:44 AM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had a miserable day as a rusher in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording just two rushing yards on seven attempts. However, the 23-year-old saved his production with his work out of the backfield as a receiver, hauling in 10 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets. Gibbs has now been held to 43 rushing yards or fewer in three straight games and four out of his last six contests. Still, his involvement in the passing game provides a relatively safe PPR floor. Across six games since Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) was placed on Injured Reserve with a back injury, Gibbs has recorded 40 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns on 51 targets. He's racked up 1,662 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns across 15 games this season and remains a must-start fantasy running back heading into his Week 17 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.