Who Should I Start? Ray-Ray McCloud III or Alec Pierce

Sunday, January 5, 11:05 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III hauled in four of seven targets for 66 yards in Sunday's 44-38 overtime loss to the Panthers, ending their season. While he found the end zone just once all year, the performance caps off a productive campaign for the 28-year-old. The sixth-year pro set career highs (by a wide margin) with 87 targets, 62 catches, and 686 receiving yards. With Michael Penix Jr. looking like a competent passer, the Falcons offense could take a step forward next season. McCloud III should maintain some appeal in PPR leagues as the number three option behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney.

Thursday, August 14, 7:13 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (groin) missed another training camp practice on Thursday with a groin injury, according to The Athletic's James Boyd. Pierce is considered day-to-day and almost certainly won't play in the second preseason game this Saturday against the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, fellow wideout Josh Downs suffered a hamstring injury in practice on Thursday and left early. The health of Indy's receivers is something to watch closely as we near the start of the 2025 regular season. With both Pierce and Downs banged up, Adonai Mitchell is the team's WR2 behind Michael Pittman Jr., while Ashton Dulin will also take on a bigger role. Pierce led the NFL with 22.3 yards per catch in 2024 and had a career-high 824 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games, but he'll have plenty of competition for targets with a QB situation that isn't ideal.