Who Should I Start? Brandon Allen or Alec Pierce

Sunday, November 24, 10:50 PM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brandon Allen didn't have much to work with during a 38-10 loss to the Packers in Green Bay on Sunday. Filling in for starter Brock Purdy (shoulder), the sixth-year career backup went 17-of-29 for 199 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Allen was behind the eight ball from the beginning, getting his first start since the 2021 season on the road against a quality defense with future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) out. Allen wasn't perfect but made some quality throws, including the three-yard touchdown to tight end George Kittle. San Francisco's receivers didn't do Allen many favors, most notably Deebo Samuel Sr., who conspicuously dropped two passes, including the one that directly caused Allen's only interception. A number of drive-stalling offensive penalties and San Francisco's inability to win in the trenches on run plays didn't help, either. Purdy's status for Week 13 at Buffalo is still up in the air, so Allen could be in line for another start, but won't be recommended in standard leagues.

Sunday, November 24, 11:14 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce garnered his usual looks on Sunday but turned his four targets into just one catch in the 24-6 loss to the Lions. The one catch was a nice 39-yard grab, and Anthony Richardson missed him badly on a wide-open throw early on in the contest for what would have been a huge gain or even a touchdown. The continued dose of deep shots to the speedy receiver is encouraging, as one of these weeks it could turn into a big day for the 24-year-old, but it is hard to predict when that will be, especially if Richardson doesn't improve his accuracy. Week 13 brings a somewhat favorable matchup against the Patriots, but that contest will be on the road on what will be a chilly day in Foxboro. Nevertheless, Pierce figures to be a boom/bust WR5 again.