Who Should I Start? Alec Pierce or Josh Downs

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
8.4 0.0 0.0 2.8 38.6 0.3

Alec Pierce News

Alec Pierce a Good Fit for Patriots?

Friday, March 6, 2:02 PM

The Athletic's Chad Graff thinks Indianapolis Colts impending free-agent wide receiver Alec Pierce "fits a lot of what New England is likely to be looking for in a receiver" in free agency this offseason. Graff took it a step further and predicted that the Patriots would sign Pierce to a four-year, $104 million contract. The 25-year-old will be in high demand on the open market after posting his first 1,000-yard season in 2025 while catching 47 of his 84 targets for six touchdowns in 15 games. Pierce has led the league in yards per catch in each of the last two years in Indy. The second-round speedster and the Colts have mutual interest in a reunion, but Pierce could also bolt to the highest bidder, as long as they have a stable quarterback situation. Pats QB Drake Maye was extremely accurate deep down the field, which would make Pierce an ideal fit after New England just cut their top wideout in Stefon Diggs this week.

BENCH

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
6.3 0.0 0.0 2.8 26.9 0.1

Josh Downs News

Could Josh Downs See More Work with Colts WR Room in Flux?

Wednesday, March 4, 7:12 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs was a popular breakout candidate heading into 2025, but it was ultimately his teammate, Alec Pierce, who took the next step and led the team with his first career 1,000-yard season. With Pierce now facing unrestricted free agency, it seems inevitable that a shakeup is coming to the Colts' wide receiver room. Should Pierce end up leaving for a top-of-market deal, a giant hole will be left atop the depth chart. However, for Downs' fantasy future, it might be more beneficial if Pierce stays in Indianapolis. Pierce and Downs play very different games, as evidenced by the 11.6-yard differential in their 2025 ADoT. For the Colts to retain Pierce likely means moving on from Michael Pittman Jr. and his $29 million cap hit, either through trade or release, which would represent a best-case scenario for Downs. Pittman has led the team in targets every season since 2021, with most of his looks coming in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field, also patrolled by Downs.

Alec Pierce vs. Josh Downs

Still trying to decide between Pierce and Downs? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Alec Pierce is projected to score 8.4 points this week while Josh Downs is projected to score 6.3 points.