Who Should I Start? Mark Andrews or Dameon Pierce

Monday, January 22, 2:57 PM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (ankle) was designated to return from Injured Reserve on Friday, January 12, but he did not suit up to face the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round on Saturday. Despite being a full participant at practice on Wednesday and Thursday, the 28-year-old was listed as questionable and was held out. Since it seems he was close to playing, the belief is that he could be back to face the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday. However, head coach John Harbaugh was non-committal on his status on Monday. "We'll just see how it goes," Harbaugh said. "If he's ready to play, he'll play." It sounds like DFS gamers will have to wait a little longer to see if the Pro Bowler will hit the playing field for the first time since Week 11. If he's active, he'll be firmly on the fantasy radar, and Isaiah Likely will be a downgraded DFS option.

Thursday, May 2, 4:48 PM

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce had a notable rookie campaign after being selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In just 13 games before being sidelined with injuries, he racked up 939 yards and four touchdowns on 220 carries and caught 30 passes for 165 yards and one score. However, his role, production, and efficiency declined in 2023 after the arrival of Devin Singletary, as he posted just 517 total yards and rushed for 2.9 yards per carry. Singletary is now gone, but the team traded for former Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon. Despite this, Texans general manager Nick Caserio spoke highly of Pierce in a recent media availability. "He is going to be a big part of what we're doing. Watching him move on the field, he looks pretty good. Everybody's looking forward to the opportunity in front of them; you can't worry about what's happened in the past," Caserio said. "He's got as good an attitude as anyone on the team. We're glad DP is here." While you never know whether a head coach or general manager is being honest in these situations, Caserio's comments can only help his fantasy stock. Fantasy managers should go into the season with low expectations for Pierce, but he should at least be viewed as a high-end handcuff running back in what projects to be one of the league's best offenses.