Who Should I Start? Alec Pierce or Kayshon Boutte

Tuesday, December 24, 12:20 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) is still in the league's concussion protocol but is advancing well. Pierce suffered a concussion in the Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos and was unable to play in the Week 16 win over the Tennessee Titans this past Sunday. The 24-year-old is recovering, but he'll need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist later this week to have a shot at returning to action for the Week 17 game this Sunday at the New York Giants. The matchup against the two-win Giants is a great one for the Colts offense this weekend, but Pierce would be a pretty shaky WR4/5 for fantasy managers in a low-volume passing attack if he's cleared to play. Quarterback Anthony Richardson only attempted 11 passes in the win over the Titans. When active, Pierce is Indy's WR3 behind Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr.

Monday, December 23, 2:31 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte caught five of his seven targets for 95 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 16 loss to the Buffalo Bills. This was the best game of Boutte's young career, topping his showing from Week 6 when he totaled 59 yards and a touchdown in quarterback Drake Maye's first career start. Ever since that game, Maye and Boutte have shown flashes of a connection, with the young receiver consistently playing more than 80 percent of the offensive snaps. It came together in the form of a big game this Sunday, with Boutte's best play being a 28-yard touchdown that opened the scoring in the first quarter. It's unclear whether the LSU product will be able to replicate this showing next week against the Los Angeles Chargers, but at the very least, he deserves to rise in fantasy rankings. Boutte is a low-end WR4 option heading into next Saturday's battle with the Bolts.