Who Should I Start? Alec Pierce or Xavier Worthy

Thursday, December 18, 4:26 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (Achilles) is listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday's injury report due to an Achilles issue. Pierce played 100% of the Colts' offensive snaps in Week 15, so this could be more of an injury management situation than an acute injury. Still, Pierce will likely need to log a full practice on either Friday or Saturday to avoid being listed as questionable for his team's Week 16 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. Across 12 games this season, Pierce has recorded 39 receptions for 785 yards and two touchdowns on 68 targets. However, he recorded just one catch on one target in Week 15, which was Indianapolis' first game with Philip Rivers under center as its starting quarterback. If Pierce were to miss Week 16, Colts wideouts Josh Downs (personal) and Michael Pittman Jr. could each see an uptick in targets.

Friday, December 19, 5:02 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught two passes for 35 yards in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, but he should step into the lead role for the Chiefs this week. With fellow receivers Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton ruled out with concussions, there should be plenty of opportunities for Worthy to shine against the Tennessee Titans in Week 16. The Titans have given up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, which means this could be a smash spot for Worthy if he hits. Worthy has had an up-and-down season, but he should be able to produce with the runway cleared for him. That said, he does have a quarterback downgrade, going from Patrick Mahomes to Gardner Minshew this week. Minshew has proven capable in the past and should be able to deliver the ball to Worthy. Worthy is ranked WR39 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a low-end WR3/flex option this week.