Who Should I Start? Alec Pierce or Matthew Golden

Saturday, December 27, 2:42 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is coming off a big game in Week 16, recording four catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns on four targets against the San Francisco 49ers. The 25-year-old has been a big-play threat all season long for Indianapolis, averaging an NFL-best 20.3 yards per reception. Pierce's Week 16 performance alongside new Colts quarterback Philip Rivers is an encouraging sign after Pierce was targeted just once in Rivers' first start of 2025 in Week 15. However, as primarily a downfield threat, Pierce has a low production floor that fantasy managers need to take into account. In Week 17, Indianapolis will take on a Jacksonville Jaguars' defense that ranks 18th in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (3,492) and 27th in passing touchdowns allowed (26). Pierce was reasonably productive in his first matchup of the season against Jacksonville in Week 14, recording five catches for 80 yards on eight targets. All in all, Pierce profiles as a boom/bust flex option for fantasy managers in Week 17.

Tuesday, December 30, 9:37 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has had an underwhelming rookie season, recording 28 catches for 353 yards on 41 targets across 13 games. The 22-year-old is still searching for his first NFL touchdown heading into the team's regular season finale in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings. Golden has also been impacted by injury in the second half of the season, missing multiple games in November due to a wrist injury. On a more positive note, Golden played 53% of Green Bay's offensive snaps in Week 17, his largest snap share in any game since Week 8. Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) suffered a concussion early in Week 17, allowing a pathway to playing time for Golden. Green Bay enters Week 18 locked into the number seven seed in the NFC playoffs, so the team has little incentive to rush Wicks back to the field. The Packers could also choose to be cautious with top wideouts Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jayden Reed. Golden could be in line for a significant uptick in playing time in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings.