Who Should I Start? Tyler Lockett or Alec Pierce

Thursday, December 18, 8:36 PM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice. The receiver saw his status get upgraded after practicing in a limited capacity on Wednesday. Barring a setback, Lockett should suit up during Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Houston Texans without any limitations. The veteran receiver handled a season-high 76% snap share last week, catching two of his four targets for 10 yards in the Raiders' Kenny Pickett-led offense. Geno Smith should return to the starting quarterback role in Week 16, offering a minor bump to Lockett's fantasy value. Still, he's a risky fantasy option as the Raiders' offense continues to struggle week in and week out. At best, he's a low-end WR3/flex in deep leagues.

Friday, December 19, 8:28 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce caught his only target for 16 yards in the 18-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Last week marked the first game Pierce has played without Daniel Jones, who tore his Achilles in Week 14. His connection with Jones was exceptional, as Pierce was having the best season of his career before the injury. Now, 44-year-old Philip Rivers is the starting quarterback for the Colts, and his showing against the Seahawks didn't offer any relief for Pierce and his fantasy outlook. Rivers averaged 4.4 yards per attempt and only had two completions over 10 yards last week. Not ideal for Pierce, who currently leads the NFL in yards per completion this season. The fourth-year receiver is better left on the bench than in starting lineups this week, as he looks to overcome the lack of deep-passing ability that Rivers has.