Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or Alec Pierce

Friday, December 19, 9:26 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has now scored touchdowns in consecutive games for the first time since the first two weeks of the season. Barkley's 22 carries were also his most attempts in a game since Week 11. The star RB was able to capitalize on the favorable matchup against the Raiders, and will look to do the same in his upcoming meeting with the Commanders. Washington's defense allows 136.3 rushing yards per game-fifth-most in the league-and has let up 14 rushing touchdowns-good for 12th-most in the NFL. It's also encouraging that Barkley had his most red zone rushing attempts in a game this season last week, getting the ball 10 times inside the 20 against Las Vegas. He's had a general uptick in touches and has returned to his scoring ways, so there's no doubt he's a solid RB1 this week.

Sunday, December 21, 1:13 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce was a disappointment for fantasy managers in Week 15's loss to the Seahawks, and he won't be any easier to trust for this Monday's bout with the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Pierce corralled his lone target (16 yards) in last Sunday's loss to Seattle and was the only Colts' pass-catcher to command fewer than four looks. The former Cincinnati Bearcat made his money all season on downfield throws, while also evolving his game in the intermediate area of the field. However, his value will take a considerable hit with quarterback Philip Rivers manning the offense. At 44 years of age, the veteran's arm strength is limited, and that showed in spades during last week's contest. Considering Pierce's archetype doesn't precisely line up with Rivers' capabilities, he's perhaps the riskiest fantasy play of all Colts' wideouts, ranking as RotoBaller's PPR WR66 for his Monday Night Football matchup.