Who Should I Start? Alec Pierce or Matthew Golden

Thursday, October 9, 4:50 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) practiced in full for the second straight day on Thursday. Pierce has missed each of the Colts' last two games due to a concussion, but it appears he's trending towards returning in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals. The 25-year-old has recorded nine catches for 171 yards on 13 targets in three games so far this season. If he were to miss additional time, Colts wideouts Ashton Dulin and Adonai Mitchell would likely see the majority of the team's WR3 snaps alongside Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. Assuming Pierce is good to go in Week 6, he profiles as a desperation boom/bust flex option for fantasy managers against Arizona.

Tuesday, October 7, 3:45 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has seen an incremental upward trajectory over the past several weeks for the Packers and for fantasy managers. Golden is coming off his best week yet, with a season-high six targets, plus five receptions for 58 yards. He's also starting to see the field regularly with route shares of 82 percent and 72 percent in his last two games. In addition, Golden's first-read target shares have increased substantially, going from three total first-read targets in the first two weeks of the season to nine in the next two contests. Interestingly, Golden was used much more in the slot in Week 4, flipping his role with Dontayvion Wicks, who had been used in the slot more since Jayden Reed (clavicle, foot) was injured. That could prove to be a launching point to get Golden in more jet motion and use him in space for YAC opportunities. After the Packers' bye in Week 5, Green Bay hosts the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. With the continued upward climb of Golden, he's a big-time upside flex play for fantasy managers this week.