Skip to main content

Going into the off-season, it was no secret that the Indianapolis Colts needed help on the offensive side of the ball. Specifically at receiver and TE. Both of those positions were addressed in a significant way during the draft. The Colts added Alec Pierce from Cincinnati. He’s an excellent addition for the Colts offense, but was it great for Michael Pittman’s fantasy value?

Embed from Getty Images
 

I am genuinely concerned for Pittman at a fantasy level. Last season, he lead the team in receiving yards. However, he finished as a top 20 fantasy WR in the position’s rankings. Normally I would expect a jump into the top 15, but the addition of Pierce has me concerned he could take a drop.

While we’re not sure what Pierce’s role will be with the Colts. I think it’s safe to assume he will be featured in the offense in a prominent role rather than a minor one. In that case, he will take away target share from Pittman. While the addition of Pierce will be great for the Colts in the passing game, I can’t say the same from a fantasy aspect for Pittman to remain in the top 20 highest scoring for WRs.

Embed from Getty Images

Although Pierce is the most predominant fantasy challenge at Pittman’s position, there are some others to take into account. First, there’s Nyheim Hines, the fifth-year RB who will see a vastly increased workload with Matt Ryan under center. There’s also the unknown how big of an impact the rookie TEs will have in the offense. We will have to keep a close eye on OTAs and training camp to see how big of a downfall Pittman will see with his fantasy impact.

The Colts will have a lot of mouths to feed in this budding offense. We’ve seen in the past this team truly has no ego. While the target share won’t be a moral issue, I believe it will be a fantasy issue. I’m down on Pittman, Jonathan Taylor, and Mo-Alie Cox. However, my stock is up for Pierce and Hines.

Embed from Getty Images
 

With wide variety of talent the Colts have, their offense could become unpredictable at a fantasy level. I’m not entirely against the drafting of multiple, new offensive players, but I will be hesitant until we know more about the outlook and distribution of the scheme.

To answer, does Alec Pierce hurt Michael Pitman’s fantasy value? The answer is yes. Pittman’s talent is undeniable, but it will be quite the gamble to bet on him as a key contributor on your fantasy team this upcoming season.

Leave a Reply