Who Should I Start? Darius Slayton or Alec Pierce

Saturday, December 27, 12:09 PM

Across 13 games this season, New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has recorded 31 receptions for 468 yards and a touchdown on 51 targets. Slayton is coming off one of his worst games of 2025 in Week 16, hauling in just one catch for eight yards on two targets against the Minnesota Vikings. However, the 28-year-old is now facing a far easier matchup in Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Entering the week, Las Vegas ranks 18th in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.1). The Raiders have also ruled out star edge rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) with a knee injury, which should make life significantly easier on Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart. Before his Week 16 dud, Slayton had recorded at least 9.3 PPR fantasy points in four out of his last five games. He profiles as a low-end deep-league flex option for fantasy managers in Week 17.

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.