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Alec Pierce vs DeVonta SmithWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Alec Pierce is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 10.7 PPG to DeVonta Smith's 9.6 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Alec Pierce is the better fantasy play this season.

Statistically, Alec Pierce and DeVonta Smith are interchangeable on a season-long basis. The 1.1-PPG gap is one broken play per game. For weekly start/sit calls, check opponent defense and recent form before defaulting to the name.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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WRIndianapolis Colts#22PPG LEADER
Alec Pierce
PPG
10.7
Games
15
Rec
47
Rec Yds
1,003
Rec TDs
6
Targets
84
Bye
Week 13
WRPhiladelphia Eagles#34
DeVonta Smith
PPG
9.6
Games
17
Rec
77
Rec Yds
1,008
Rec TDs
4
Targets
113
Bye
Week 10

The Edge Chart

VolumeEfficiencyTD UpsideFloorCeilingDurability
Alec Pierce
DeVonta Smith

Head to Head

10.7 PPG9.6 PPG
15 GP17 GP
Bye: Week 13Bye: Week 10

Fantasy Tiers

Alec Pierce: Tier 3 (Flex/Starter) WR (ranked #22 at the position). DeVonta Smith: Tier 4 (Bench/Bye Fill) WR (ranked #34 at the position). Among the top 50 wide receivers this season, Alec Pierce is producing at 49% of elite pace and DeVonta Smith at 44%. That ranking gap means Alec Pierce carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Alec Pierce vs DeVonta Smith: The Full Breakdown

The gap between Alec Pierce and DeVonta Smith is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 1.1 PPG in 2025, this is one of those wide receiver decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Alec Pierce averaged 10.7 PPG with the Indianapolis Colts across 15 games, and DeVonta Smith posted 9.6 with the Philadelphia Eagles in 17.

When two wide receivers are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.

Target volume is the story here. DeVonta Smith saw 113 targets in 2025, while Alec Pierce drew 84. That workload gap usually translates into a higher weekly floor for DeVonta Smith, even in weeks where Alec Pierce posts the bigger ceiling game. Consistency-minded managers lean toward target share; boom-bust managers chase the upside.

Alec Pierce has his bye in Week 13, and DeVonta Smith rests in Week 10. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at wide receiver for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Alec Pierce (age 26) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value. DeVonta Smith (age 27) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value.

Did You Know?

  • Alec Pierce outscored DeVonta Smith by a projected 19 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
  • DeVonta Smith played 17 games in 2025 compared to Alec Pierce's 15. That durability gap means DeVonta Smith contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
  • Alec Pierce scored 6 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.4 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at wide receiver.
  • DeVonta Smith saw 113 targets in 2025. Target volume is the single strongest predictor of weekly PPR production at the wide receiver position.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Alec Pierce vs DeVonta Smith: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
StatAlec PierceDeVonta Smith
PPG (Half-PPR)10.79.6
Games Played1517
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)161163
Receptions4777
Rec/Game3.14.5
Receiving Yards1,0031,008
Rec Yds/Game66.959.3
Receiving TDs64
Targets84113
Target Share/Game5.66.6
Age2627
Experience3 yrs4 yrs
Bye WeekWeek 13Week 10

Summary

The 2025 numbers favor Alec Pierce at 10.7 PPG, 1.1 points per game above DeVonta Smith's 9.6. But season stats only tell part of the story. DraftCall's AI factors in weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status to give you a verdict that updates with the latest data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Alec Pierce or DeVonta Smith in fantasy football?

Based on 2025 season averages, Alec Pierce has the edge at 10.7 PPG compared to DeVonta Smith's 9.6 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Alec Pierce and DeVonta Smith average in 2025?

Alec Pierce averaged 10.7 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 15 games in 2025. DeVonta Smith averaged 9.6 PPG over 17 games. That is a difference of 1.1 points per game.

When are Alec Pierce and DeVonta Smith's bye weeks in 2026?

Alec Pierce (IND) has a bye in Week 13, and DeVonta Smith (PHI) has a bye in Week 10. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Alec Pierce or DeVonta Smith a better fantasy wide receiver in 2026?

Alec Pierce outscored DeVonta Smith by 1.1 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.