Who Should I Start? Alec Pierce or Luther Burden III

Tuesday, February 17, 7:06 AM

ESPN's Matt Bowen thinks that Indianapolis Colts impending free-agent wide receiver Alec Pierce would be a good fit with the Tennessee Titans under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. "Pierce has the vertical stretch ability to produce downt he field and can play a volume role as a multi-level target for quarterback Cameron Ward," Bowen writes. In a breakout 2025 campaign with the Colts in which he led the team in receiving, Pierce averaged a league-best 21.3 yards per catch and caught 47 of his 84 targets for a career-high 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. The 25-year-old also led the league in 2024 by averaging 22.3 yards per reception, so he's established himself as one of the best downfield threats in the NFL. He'll be a popular receiver target in free agency for wideout-needy teams like the Titans, but they will surely have competition on the open market. In Tennessee, Pierce would immediately become the team's WR1.

Monday, February 16, 6:11 AM

Across 15 games as a rookie in 2025, Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets. It took a while for the 22-year-old to earn consistent playing time, which held down his season-long numbers. However, Burden III finished the season on a bit of a tear. Over his last five regular-season contests, Burden III hauled in 25 catches for 357 yards and a touchdown on 30 targets. It's worth noting that Bears wideout Rome Odunze missed four of those five games due to a foot injury, which helped direct more targets towards Burden III. Beyond Burden III and Odunze, the Bears also have additional capable pass-catchers in veteran wideout D.J. Moore and tight end Colston Loveland, so the competition for target share in Chicago is fierce. Still, Burden III flashed explosive upside when given the opportunity in his first NFL campaign, and he projects as a key piece in Chicago's long-term offensive plans. In dynasty formats, Burden III's fantasy stock is trending upward based on his strong close to the 2025 season.