Who Should I Start? Cade Otton or Alec Pierce

Tuesday, October 21, 11:38 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton set season-highs in both targets and catches in Week 7, hauling in seven catches for 65 yards on nine targets in his team's 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. The 26-year-old has now hauled in 16 receptions for 197 yards on 20 targets over the last three weeks. With star Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) now set to miss significant time after breaking his clavicle in Week 7, Otton could continue to see consistent usage in his team's passing game. Tampa Bay could be without wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) in Week 8 as well, which would likely leave either Otton or veteran wideout Sterling Shepard as the number two target behind wide receiver Emeka Egbuka for Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. Otton should be rostered in all fantasy leagues with 14 or more teams heading into a Week 8 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Wednesday, October 22, 11:29 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce earned a career-high 10 targets in his team's Week 7 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, hauling in five catches for 98 yards. Pierce missed two games due to a concussion earlier this season, but he's been productive when healthy this season. Across five games, the 25-year-old has recorded 16 catches for 317 yards on 27 targets. Perhaps most encouragingly, Pierce has played at least 81% of the Colts' offensive snaps in both games since returning from the concussion. Part of the reason for his target spike in Week 7 was the absence of Colts wideout Josh Downs (concussion). When all three of Downs, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and tight end Tyler Warren are healthy, it may be difficult for Pierce to see consistent target volume. However, given Pierce's big-play ability (career 17.8 yards per reception), he can post big weeks without seeing a huge target share. Pierce profiles as a boom/bust WR4/flex option for fantasy managers heading into a Week 8 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.