Major
Footballguy
I don't think we're watching the same game. He gives me zero confidence in Slowik's offense. I'm more bullish on Akers than Pierce.
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
RB Dameon Pierce, HOU (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Faust
- Start date
I don't think we're watching the same game. He gives me zero confidence in Slowik's offense. I'm more bullish on Akers than Pierce.
I had such high hopes for the new regime bringing out the best in him. A monster unleashed. But he regressed tremendously. Last in the league in YPC. Lost hiis job to a journeyman. Then they went out and got a guy given away basically for free by a SB contender. And brought in another RB with two duct-tape achilles tendons.
I would not be surprised to see Pierce traded for a 7th. Or get cut.
Chaka
Footballguy
He was really, really bad last year and he got plenty of opportunities to not be bad. Ultimately he wasn't better than Devin Singletary, who is probably somewhat underrated. It's difficult to see an argument for his production this season that isn't predicated on a Mixon injury.
Even then I'm not sure he cracks the top five backup RBs that should be drafted in most leagues.
Jaylen Wright, Ray Davis, Trey Benson, Braelon Allen, Zach Charbonnet, Tank Bigsby, Trey Sermon, Algeier, Blake Corum, CEH, and that isn't even getting into the 1a/1b situations like Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Tennessee, the Chargers, Washington or Detroit. Or situations like Carolina where we have to wonder what happens when Brooks comes back.
I might take Pierce over a couple of those guys (Bigsby and maybe Sermon) but, with little stand alone value I could easily see him go undrafted in a ton of leagues.
BIRDGANG52
Footballguy
Sure, he was bad. I've never seen anyone ever average a YPC that low on that many carries. The Texans kept feeding him the ball regardless of the fact he wasn't doing much with them.
145 carries at 2.9 YPC. I've never seen anything like that before.
But, the year before, he was averaging 4.3 YPC. So I've seen him "do it" before. Am I supposed to believe he "lost it" from his age 22 to 23 season?
I can't say for sure what his problem was last year, but I see a guy who has one good season and one bad season. His YPC this year will probably be closer to 4.3 YPC than 2.9 YPC. I just can't imagine that a 24 year old kid forgot how to play Runningback. There was a coaching change that came with learning a new offense, for all I know he's a doofus and couldn't figure it out.
Players get better and in this case, he just needs to get back to where he was as a rookie and he'll be fine. If he continues to be a 3 YPC guy, then this will be one of my most confusing fall from graces I've seen. Like, we're gambling on guys returning from ACL and Achilles tear but are willing to write off a completely healthy player for one down season.
Nobody has more bounce back potential than this cat. Call me an optimist, but I'm just hoping a 24 year old can do the things he was doing when he was 22 years old and I don't think that's a stretch.
Last edited:
Chaka
Footballguy
Of course, but when you start face down on the floor, just getting to your knees is a bounce back.
Joe Mixon is nothing special anymore. Frankly I don't think I ever viewed him as a special back but he has been reliable throughout his career. And he only has six career fumbles on 1,854 touches. Pierce already has seven fumbles on 408 career touches. I don't think Pierce is as bad as he was last year but I don't think he's special either and I think Mixon's reliability is going to severely cap Pierce's opportunity share. I don't see a non-injury scenario where he can play himself into a bigger role.
BIRDGANG52
Footballguy
Yeah, it's a situation where Pierce needs to be better than Mixon outright to earn more carries. They're paying Mixon $5,000,000 which relatively speaking isn't a ton of money, but still indicative that he's the man in Houston. They signed him to a big contract from a RB perspective but not a lot of that is guaranteed.
From a talent perspective, it's pretty close, but Mixon is clearly the guy. But who knows? Maybe the 24 year old kid comes into this season hungry and has his best season. I doubt it, but due diligence says these guys should be fairly interchangeable talent wise. I know I do my best work when I'm on a redemption story arc.
Something to take note of, but as you alluded, probably not very pertinent. Mixon's fairly young too, but there's a lot of mileage on those tires. Good talk!
sushinsky4tsar
Footballguy
Friday DNP (hamstring) after the slightest bit of positivity in week 1 (basically, getting in ahead of Akers and looking good with all three of his carries).
Is anybody considering him a must-hold in dynasty until he gets to his next destination? That's kind of where I was at after what I paid to get him, but I can't help but feel like I'm throwing out good money after bad at this point. He needs an injury to Mixon to open the path, and instead he's the one getting banged up in practice and opening the door for Akers and Dare to supplant him. I need to manufacture some rb depth much more than I need WR depth. However, I could grab the WR Pierce off waivers, which would at least give me a chance at something that I can actually trade if he sets another land speed record getting loose for another A-Rich bomb.
Am I jumping the gun to wash my hands of D Pierce? If Zak Moss can boomerang from complete bust to something useful, you would think there's plenty of time for Pierce in an offense that's a better fit.
Is anybody considering him a must-hold in dynasty until he gets to his next destination? That's kind of where I was at after what I paid to get him, but I can't help but feel like I'm throwing out good money after bad at this point. He needs an injury to Mixon to open the path, and instead he's the one getting banged up in practice and opening the door for Akers and Dare to supplant him. I need to manufacture some rb depth much more than I need WR depth. However, I could grab the WR Pierce off waivers, which would at least give me a chance at something that I can actually trade if he sets another land speed record getting loose for another A-Rich bomb.
Am I jumping the gun to wash my hands of D Pierce? If Zak Moss can boomerang from complete bust to something useful, you would think there's plenty of time for Pierce in an offense that's a better fit.
Last edited:
I'm hanging on. A lot of people have dropped him, fair for me to say he's like my last man or two on my 20 team rosters, but just the same I'm trying to hang on. In all formats fwiw, dynasty and redraft.
He's clearly the RB2 and while Mixon's been pretty durable he carried a massive load last week and sounds like that might continue.
The hammy sucks, maybe out a few weeks but that's not the worst thing in the world as he's no one you are counting on anyway.
The coaching staff obviously likes him a lot but there is certainly a scenario were Akers gets a shot and just usurps him for the backup role. Not what I'm pullin for but even in that scenario it might just make them open to moving Pierce before the deadlne.
sushinsky4tsar
Footballguy
^^^^ Trade deadline is probably a good minimum point to hang on to.
Unfortunately, I've held out hope playing that angle so many times on underperforming, underutilized players that seem like an obvious fit to benefit from a change of scenery. It never seems to come to fruition, but maybe this will be the year.
Unfortunately, I've held out hope playing that angle so many times on underperforming, underutilized players that seem like an obvious fit to benefit from a change of scenery. It never seems to come to fruition, but maybe this will be the year.
packer_junkie
Footballguy
I think he might be the #1 cuff in football right now.
But Mixon (outside of the ankle sprain) is the model of durability
But Mixon (outside of the ankle sprain) is the model of durability
They've got playoffs on their mind so IMO, they need their own backup in case Mixon gets hurt again.
Gjallarhorn
Footballguy
I hope this guy gets a chance somewhere next year. I think he has a lot of ability and will thrive if he finds the right system.
you're not the only one.
Several in this thread have suggested that he's a good RB in the wrong system... so why doesn't HOU trade/release him?
32 Counter Pass
Footballguy
Does the new OC offer any hope for Pierce?
I got the following result when searching “What type of run game will Nick Caley install?”
Here is part of what the query returned:
Sounds like there is a chance… if the Texans don’t use draft capital on the position.
I got the following result when searching “What type of run game will Nick Caley install?”
Here is part of what the query returned:
- Adaptive Approach:
Caley emphasizes a "game plan team" approach, meaning they will tailor their run game strategy each week to maximize their chances of winning.
- Flexibility:
He's open to running a variety of schemes, including duo and gap schemes, as well as wide zone plays, depending on the opponent and the Texans' strengths.
- Gap and Zone Concepts:
Caley's experience with the Patriots and Rams suggests he's familiar with both gap-focused and outside zone schemes, and he's likely to incorporate elements of both into the Texans' run game.
- Player-Specific Strengths:
Caley plans to identify the strengths of his rushing-involved players and build the run game around those strengths.
Sounds like there is a chance… if the Texans don’t use draft capital on the position.
Yeah seems like a cut candidate if they are bringing in Chubb. I am interested in a different blocking scheme. He has been a square peg in a round hole.
I'd peg him as more likely to be traded before he's cut. A day 3 pick or pick swap kind of thing, minimal return but some value and it helps he's a good kick returner.
But if he's cut the Titans have waiver claim #1 and I know earlier this off-season they talked about needing a running back with more power. As they are a division opponent that might increase their interest, and increase Texans interest in trading him instead of cutting him. I would not be excited about him landing with the Titans.
Barring an injury to Chubb or Mixon his main value to the Texans is as a non-passing down RB3 and kick returner and would require the team to roster at least 4 RB's unless one lands on IR. So he's likely gone, just a matter of trade or cut and when, might need to make sure Chubb, Mixon and whatever minor thing Pierce is dealing with are healthy first.
Either way I don't own Chubb or Mixon and my first thought when they signed Chubb was Pierce and being glad this might allow him to go to a different team. I'm not going to try and make a case he's great, but he's a power runner with big play ability and I think he's good enough to have useful fantasy role with some teams.
TripItUp
Footballguy
yep, it's the wrong scheme for him.
On the positive side, the lack of touches have prolonged his career.
WaltonGoggins
Footballguy
Texans love him for some reason there was no reason to keep him last year since he was the worst at camp and preseason so I'll believe it when I see it.
WaltonGoggins
Footballguy
Texans may have the oldest core of RB in the league even their rookie is 25.
dmac37
Footballguy
So do any of the RB needy teams run more of a power run scheme like the Texans ran during Pierce's rookie season, Cowboys, Bears?
A goal for this year is to compile a list for all teams that includes a few things about their offensive system and how it has changed from the past year.
Well somewhat ironically the Texans are supposed to go to a more power running scheme this year.
Regarding Pierce and the scheme. We know he stunk in the zone blocking scheme his second year but there were a ton of puff pieces/reports that he had worked on it last off-season and felt more comfortable. What proof do we have? Not much but he got that one start in week 18 last year and rolled for 176 yards. Now of course that was aided by one 90 plus yard run but even removing that he had a solid day.
I still think he's way better for a power running scheme, but I am trying to make a point he may have graduated to being a little more scheme versatile.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
I roster Pierce in 2 dynasty leagues. One where I roster Mixon + Marks.
Someone’s gotta carry the mail. Maybe he’ll be the healthy one.
Or maybe this is all Mixon getting the veteran treatment at camp. Come game 1 he’ll show up like Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka & go 100+/2 with 5/47/1
ETA: and @FreeBaGeL just drafted him 13.01 in FBG home league #4
Yeah. Here are some other names going in late rounds:
Etienne (Jax)
Bigsby (Jax)
J. Williams (Dal)
J. Blue (Dal)
Jordan Mason (Minn)
Trey Benson (Ari)
Ford (Cle)
Ekeler (Was)
R. White (TB)
Z. Charbonnet (Sea)
N. Harris (LAC)
Think I rather have Dameon at this moment over all of those. Some are handcuffs that will provide huge value if starter goes down I get it.
I was shocked to see that Dameon is only 25. He won't turn 26 till next year. He could start week1 and he only needs to beat Chubb.
Etienne (Jax)
Bigsby (Jax)
J. Williams (Dal)
J. Blue (Dal)
Jordan Mason (Minn)
Trey Benson (Ari)
Ford (Cle)
Ekeler (Was)
R. White (TB)
Z. Charbonnet (Sea)
N. Harris (LAC)
Think I rather have Dameon at this moment over all of those. Some are handcuffs that will provide huge value if starter goes down I get it.
I was shocked to see that Dameon is only 25. He won't turn 26 till next year. He could start week1 and he only needs to beat Chubb.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Most of those dudes went inside 10 rounds in the FBG league 4 draft.
Houston turmOiler
Footballguy
There's a scenario where the backfield ends up Pierce/Marks if Chubb is deemed to be washed. This is a better scheme for Pierce than what they were doing last year according those that cover the team. I've thought this was possible ever since camp started and Pierce returned. Not out of the question Pierce gets the early down work and Marks does a lot of the passing game work. Marks has looked good in pass protection.
I've been grabbing Pierce super late in most drafts with deep rosters just in case.
I've been grabbing Pierce super late in most drafts with deep rosters just in case.
Pierce was part of the Lovie Smith regime, his only year as Hou head coach.
DeMeco Ryans came in starting 2023 but they gave the job to D. Singletary.
And then came Mixon.
So Pierce was forgotten, as part of that dreadful 2022 where they lost 13 games under Lovie Smith.
Pierce supposedly can also catch. He did it in college. Unsure what Lovie Smith regime saw that made them turn away from that.
I mean, he can be a 3 down back with Marks in as hurry up.
DeMeco Ryans came in starting 2023 but they gave the job to D. Singletary.
And then came Mixon.
So Pierce was forgotten, as part of that dreadful 2022 where they lost 13 games under Lovie Smith.
Pierce supposedly can also catch. He did it in college. Unsure what Lovie Smith regime saw that made them turn away from that.
I mean, he can be a 3 down back with Marks in as hurry up.
I own him in all 8 of my dynasty leagues. Cut him in a few of them but drafted him in the rookie/FA drafts.
I still believe.
Also have him on several redraft teams but my last few drafts I had him designated as an “ace in the hole” RB I could take at end of my draft because hardly anyone other then me was drafting him. Someone has beat me to it in my last 3 drafts, though one of them I was going to pass anyway for other needs, so he's back to being on the radar.
I still believe.
Also have him on several redraft teams but my last few drafts I had him designated as an “ace in the hole” RB I could take at end of my draft because hardly anyone other then me was drafting him. Someone has beat me to it in my last 3 drafts, though one of them I was going to pass anyway for other needs, so he's back to being on the radar.
Let's look at contract.
He's in the final year of his rookie deal. Wow.
He's playing for the next contract.
Hou can give him the load. Evaluate a possible extension. He's making 1.1 mil this year. Cheap for a 25 year old that has carried the load before.
Okay this is getting more interesting.
He's in the final year of his rookie deal. Wow.
He's playing for the next contract.
Hou can give him the load. Evaluate a possible extension. He's making 1.1 mil this year. Cheap for a 25 year old that has carried the load before.
Okay this is getting more interesting.
Slight correction on this.
It was Pierce's job to open the season. His ineffectiveness opened the door for Singletary to make it a RBBC. Then Pierce got hurt and Singletary full on took over.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Another possibility is he shows well and latches on with another RB-needy team next year.
Or Mixon is actually just dogging it to stay fresh and avoid the camp injuries of last season and the Texans deal him at the deadline.
Correct, Pierce really struggled with the switch to Bobbie Slowik's zone blocking schemes. He averaged 3.0 ypc the first 7 games before he got hurt. Singletary was getting more carries and then when Pierce went down, he came in full time and blew up in weeks 9 & 10 and took the job. Signed - bitter Pierce owner in multiple leagues back then...
Reading that Chubb will play tomorrow and "supposedly" looked better this week in practices. Pierce will not play and is getting a rest day apparently which I would have liked to get a better look at him tomorrow. I can't imagine either of these guys will play much, if at all, in preseason game 3.
Gjallarhorn
Footballguy
Sadly I am at the point where I have to cut him in my dynasty/keeper league. Spent premium draft capital on him and it seemed like he could not get his footing. I think the talent is there, but he looks destined to be a journeyman backup. Landing spot for RBs is such a crapshoot.
sushinsky4tsar
Footballguy
I had a disagreement with KTC dynasty rankings when it came time to make my final cut. I'm still more intrigued by Pierce (RB85) than the likes of McLaughlin (RB79) and Roschon (RB65).
Jayded
Footballguy
Houston fan - he might just have a volume issue like the Jags backfield this year. I don’t dislike Etienne all that much, but Tuten and Bigsby will play. Same for Pierce even if he returns to somewhat form. Houston spent too much draft capital to just completely sit Woods and Chubb will at worst spell him until Mixon is back and makes things a mess I fear.
He and Mason feel similar, but Mason has an end of career Aaron Jones to pass is all. Kenneth Walker cannot stay healthy and Charbs did well in his absence. Benson could burst this year if Conner finally hits a wall.
I hope I’m wrong, but I’d probably put Pierce 4th or 5th at best on that list I fear. He just fell behind under Slowik and I fear it may have doomed him until he moves away from Houston.
Major
Footballguy
This is the shark move. Pierce has looked faster and stronger than Chubb in practice. I have zero confidence that Mixon will be ready. I say Pierce is the starting back in Week 1 but that's just hunch.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Probably back of the bench, yeah. I have 2 dynasty shares and I’m hopeful he becomes relevant.
But he hasn’t looked great to my eye. I’m happy to have a couple shares of Mark’s, but honestly that backfield is probably an avoid at all costs in redraft for me. Mixon gonna be back at some point, too.
sushinsky4tsar
Footballguy
Uncle.
The committee turned out to be for the scraps behind Chubb. Offense as bad as advertised. Time to move on with this roster spot. I've been here before with Khalil Herbert. Hold and hold thinking the talent is there and someone will come rescue him. Finally happens way too late, only to find out there was a reason his previous team kept him in mothballs. There are apparently deficiencies going on behind the scenes here that are nullifying the monster runs and robust stat lines we saw in year one and week 18.
The committee turned out to be for the scraps behind Chubb. Offense as bad as advertised. Time to move on with this roster spot. I've been here before with Khalil Herbert. Hold and hold thinking the talent is there and someone will come rescue him. Finally happens way too late, only to find out there was a reason his previous team kept him in mothballs. There are apparently deficiencies going on behind the scenes here that are nullifying the monster runs and robust stat lines we saw in year one and week 18.
Wigglytuff's Gruff
Footballguy
Yep. Week 1 or not, easy cut. If there are any Bears or Vikings on your waiver wire right now, you should cut him for any of them you think might potentially have a good game if you're able to. Maybe you will replace them the following day during your actual waiver run but a dart throw at someone who might have a monster game that you can possibly sell is a sensible move.
Gjallarhorn
Footballguy
Maybe he will be Priest Holmes 2.0? Kidding, but maybe not?
zoonation
Footballguy
In what league can you a drop a guy that has already played? Or maybe I am not understanding you?
Wigglytuff's Gruff
Footballguy
I don't think I've ever been in a league where you couldn't drop players on your bench anytime.
zoonation
Footballguy
sure, but not to pick up a player on another team.
Wigglytuff's Gruff
Footballguy
I'm on Sleeper and I dropped Pierce this morning to pick up the Vikings kicker who I've plugged into my lineup for this current weeks matchup
Similar threads
