Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Alec Pierce

Saturday, December 6, 9:43 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers elevated wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens, according to the team's official website. Valdes-Scantling signed with the Seattle Seahawks during the offseason but was released before the season began. The veteran was picked up by the San Francisco 49ers, where he played five games and recorded four receptions for 40 yards on eight targets before being waived again. He then signed to Pittsburgh's practice squad on Nov. 4 and is now set to make his team debut in Week 14's divisional matchup against the Ravens. The Steelers have been searching for playmakers at wide receiver all season to complement DK Metcalf, and recently signed veteran Adam Thielen to the practice squad. Valdes-Scantling should have the opportunity for playing time this weekend, but he is most likely to disappoint in his first game with Pittsburgh as a boom/bust deep threat.

Saturday, December 13, 1:41 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (rib) practiced in full all week and doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Sunday's clash with the Seahawks. Pierce finished the 2024 campaign with seven touchdowns, a career-high. However, he has only scored twice this season. While the decline in trips to the end zone is a significant concern, he at least appears well on his way to having his best year in terms of receptions and receiving yards. With Indy desperately trying to remain in the postseason conversation, the team will look for a win over Seattle on Sunday. The Seahawks have one of the most formidable defenses in the National Football League, which would make life difficult for anyone. Yet, it may be an even tougher week for Pierce and the rest of the pass-catchers, considering Philip Rivers or Riley Leonard (knee) will take over in place of Daniel Jones (Achilles), who will miss the remainder of the year. With that in mind, Pierce isn't the safest fantasy option by any means in Week 15, so managers might want to consider other options, especially with Jonathan Taylor rumored to be more involved than usual.