Josh Downs, Alec Pierce: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Picks for Fantasy Football Week 2

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs and Alec Pierce have had their moments so far in the NFL, but neither have put together consistent production.

The two players profile as different assets for the Colts offense. Downs is great against man coverage and on short and intermediate routes, using his short-area quickness to generate fast separation from DBs. He is a great chain-mover when used properly and does have some deep speed to burn, but isn't a tall or especially physical receiver.

Pierce has great speed and is a nice deep threat, but he doesn't have great fundamental skills like releases and route running and is more of a raw prospect. So who is better to start in Week 2?

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Should I Start Josh Downs for Fantasy Football?

UPDATE: Downs has officially been ruled OUT for Week 2

Downs is still recovering from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the offseason. Downs, when healthy, is likely the better start than Pierce in PPR. Downs has great potential as a PPR Scam Artist, i.e. a player who generates lots of points based on high reception volume without necessarily picking up significant yardage. That being said, Downs does have the ability to create chunk plays.

A remarkable stat for Colts rookie WR Josh Downs on Sunday: Of his 5 receptions for 125 yards, 3 catches for 99 yards came on *third* downs.

Currently, just 4 WRs in the NFL have more 3rd-down yardage than Downs (DJ Moore, Nico Collins, Puka Nacua, Tyreek Hill). 3rd + 8 below: pic.twitter.com/2QkCvpeqOd

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 23, 2023

Downs was actually on track to have a great season in 2023 before his knee injury. His production significantly dropped off of that. But he was in the midst of a possible breakout before being hobbled, and he likely needed the offseason to recover fully from that.

It's disheartening to see Downs dealing with another injury, but if he's healthy he's a fine start.

Should I Start Alec Pierce for Fantasy Football?

No. Pierce has never been consistent. The Colts likely wouldn't have drafted fellow WR Adonai Mitchell if Pierce could consistently win, but he's little more than a speed guy as it stands. And Adonai Mitchell might just be faster.

Mitchell ran a blazing 4.35 40-yard dash at the combine and showcased his speed in the preseason and in Week 1, where he would've had a massive game had Richardson connected with him.

AD Mitchell was *3* better balls away from having a pretty awesome NFL debut pic.twitter.com/vrZy5cVkUy

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) September 9, 2024

Mitchell is poised for an explosive week any day now, and it likely comes at the expense of Pierce. Pittman, Downs, and Mitchell should emerge as the clear top three receivers in this offense, with Pierce the odd man out. It may not take long for Mitchell to see significant playing time, as Colts OC Shane Steichen is elite and can scheme ways for him to get involved.

Pierce also only had three catches last game. He'll be inconsistent and likely not score much unless he has a huge play, which is consistent with his career so far. Leave Pierce on your bench.

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