Pierce played effectively as the Colts’ downfield prowler, but his day is defined by what should have been a defensive pass interference call when Daniel Jones targeted him in the end zone on the second drive. Broncos CB Riley Moss questionably engaged Pierce’s jersey with one hand while batting down the pass with the other. The same official who let the play slide later slapped Colts DBs with a series of defensive pass interference calls, prompting head coach Shane Steichen to toss his cap, outraged by the official’s lopsidedness. Alas, missed calls do not generate fantasy points. Props to Pierce for hauling in a 44-yarder on the Colts’ last drive before halftime. Pierce is on the FLEX radar next week against the Titans.

Whether Pierce’s downfield role returns FLEX value is a toss-up, but he will play a critical role in keeping the secondary honest as the Colts’ myriad short-to-intermediate options run routes beneath him. Pierce is a boom-bust FLEX option in a tough matchup.

Pierce’s fantasy value is shot between his deep-ball talents, Daniel Jones’ disinterest in throwing deep unless someone is wide open, and a tough Broncos defense. He probably doesn’t need to be in lineups for Week 2 outside of desperation scenarios.

The Colts should have their field-stretching wide receiver available to them when they take on the vaunted Broncos defense in Week 2. Pierce’s usage is too unreliable for weekly FLEX consideration and this matchup does him no favors. He is just a dart-throw FLEX option in this one.