Is Dameon Pierce Startable?

Does the Houston running back deserve a place in your line up?

After a successful pre-season, rookie running back Dameon Pierce was subjected to a ton of hype from fantasy experts. Many fantasy owners drafted Pierce around the 6th or 7th rounds, expecting him be to this year’s league winner.

What baffled Pierce owners week 1 was that despite being named the starter, Dameon Pierce was out snapped by Rex Burkhead, with Pierce only seeing the field on 29% of plays. Week 2 saw Pierce finally take over the backfield with a 62% snap percentage, but he only managed a measly 8.7 points (PPR). Even with the low fantasy output Pierce was actually extremely efficient, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, and totalling 69 rushing yards on 15 carries.

With such a slow start to the season, owners understandably began to feel discouraged, but in Week 3 Pierce finally broke out. He rushed for 80 yards, had 21 receiving yards, and finally scored his first touchdown, garnering him 18.1 fantasy points. If you were lucky enough to draft him, we’re here to tell you how to utilize the Houston running back, and if he even belongs in your fantasy lineups. The short answer is yes- start him, but temper expectations as we have him as a high end flex play, or as a desperate RB 2 play.

Pierce has immense talent. He’s an efficient runner, gets goal line carries, and has an easier schedule than most running backs. Regardless of that, there are some concerns. Pierce wasn’t on the field for the majority of third-downs, and he didn’t play at all in the last two minutes against Chicago in what was an extremely close game. It seems like the Houston coaches aren’t sold on his pass catching ability, which can be concerning as the Texans will undoubtedly be trailing most of the season. In PPR and Half PPR formats, check downs and short passes to running backs can win you match ups, but until he’s proven it, don’t expect Damien Pierce to be a premium pass catching back.

When all is said and done, Dameon Pierce has all the tools to be a fantasy football stud, but he’ll need to prove a little bit more before he can be a legitimate fantasy option.