Alec Pierce · Josh Downs · 2026 week 9

Alec Pierce or Josh Downs?

Wondering who you should start this week — Alec Pierce or Josh Downs? The start/sit call and the numbers behind it are below, plus who wins a straight-up trade. Rebuilt nightly.

Start Josh DownsJosh Downs projects 1.6 PPR points clear of Alec Pierce in week 9, drawing DAL — the 5th-ranked matchup for WRs. The numbers behind the call are below; overrule them with your eyes open.

Player	Wk 9	Proj (PPR)	Matchup	Form L3	Trade value	Status
Alec Pierce	@ HOU	9.3	4th · soft	6.1	198	IR
Josh Downs START	vs DAL	10.9	5th · soft	8.3	577	healthy

WRs vs HOU recently: Wan'Dale Robinson 5.3 pts (W5) · Jakobi Meyers 8.3 pts (W6) · Malik Nabers 11.1 pts (W7).

WRs vs DAL recently: Matthew Golden 16.4 pts (W6) · Makai Lemon 12.7 pts (W7) · Michael Wilson 18.8 pts (W8).

🎓 The coach's read

Josh Downs projects 1.6 points higher in PPR.
Alec Pierce faces HOU, 4th most generous to WRs.
Alec Pierce is flagged OUT.
Josh Downs faces DAL, 5th most generous to WRs.

Who wins a straight-up trade?

Josh Downs carries the higher trade value — 577 against 198 (a 66% gap). In a one-for-one, the side receiving Josh Downs gets the most. Momentum: Alec Pierce -32 and Josh Downs -220 over the last 30 days.

Open in Start/Sit (any scoring) Open in the Trade Analyzer

More WR decisions

Alec Pierce or Xavier Worthy?Alec Pierce or Brian Thomas Jr.?Alec Pierce or Chris Godwin Jr.?Josh Downs or Denzel Boston?Josh Downs or Deebo Samuel Sr.?Josh Downs or Marvin Harrison Jr.?

All numbers are the 2026 season, refreshed nightly.