Who Should I Start? Alec Pierce or Kayshon Boutte

Friday, November 22, 8:14 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce owns the largest percentage of his team's air yards (28.15%), but not only that, he leads the entire NFL in average depth of target (21.25) -- and it isn't even close. The downside for him is that he's received just four targets or less in eight of 11 contests. On the bright side, the 24-year-old usually makes the most of it, leading his team in reception yards (although Josh Downs is not far behind despite playing two fewer games) while recording a 30-plus yard reception in five of 11 weeks. Pierce figures to earn his usual share of deep shots in Week 12's matchup against the Lions, especially if the Colts -- who are seven-point underdogs -- find themselves trailing late in the game. The former second-round draft pick ranks in the WR5 range this week, but with his four TDs on the season, the third-year pro does possess some upside.

Friday, November 22, 10:22 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte hasn't quite cracked the top 40 fantasy options since Week 6, but he has been one of the more consistent pass-catchers over the last four weeks. During his most recent four-game stretch, Boutte has six targets in every contest, totaling 13 catches, 144 yards, and zero touchdowns. When he last faced Miami in Week 5, he caught two passes for 34 yards. The second-year receiver out of LSU is widely regarded as a deep-threat receiver, boasting a low floor and high ceiling. Miami has allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this year, but that number is likely skewed from the four-game stretch for which Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined; during that span, opponents adopted a run-heavy approach against the Dolphins and did not have to develop an overly aggressive passing attack. This Miami team allowed Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp to combine for 16 catches and 178 yards just two weeks ago. Boutte isn't on the same level as either Rams receiver, nor does he play the same role, but the bottom line is that the Dolphins have shown they aren't going to shut down every pass-catcher they face. Boutte checks in as a low-end WR4 in deeper formats, such as 14-team leagues.