Fantasy owners know running back Bernard Pierce is ready and able to shoulder a larger role in the team's offense, but it is not yet clear how much responsibility the Ravens are willing to give him just yet. We should get a good idea of what the back's share will be like after Thursday, when the Ravens open their season in Denver.
Pierce cut into Ray Rice's workload pretty heavily as a rookie, racking up 532 yards on 108 carries, including at least eight carries in eight of the team's final 10 games, including playoffs. Even if he gets that kind of workload early this season, it might be tough to trust him against the Broncos in Week 1, however.
The Ravens were not keen on relying on Pierce too heavily when they faced the Broncos last season, as the only two games he did not carry the ball at least eight times in the final 10 games came against Denver. He was held to just 34 yards on 10 carries in two matchups. With uncertainty about his role, and a tough matchup, Pierce should be considered little more than a Fantasy reserve in most league for Week 1.