Bernard Pierce's Updated 2013 Fantasy Outlook Heading into Week 3

Bernard Pierce is one of the hottest names on the fantasy football waiver wire this week after Ray Rice went down with a strained hip flexor injury in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns.

With Rice out for an unknown amount of time, it would be wise to put a claim in for his backup if he is available in your league. Even when the top option is healthy, Pierce remains a solid addition to the roster in most formats.

His upside is undeniable, especially if Rice is forced to miss the Baltimore Ravens' Week 3 contest against the Houston Texans. It’s a juicy matchup against an opponent giving up 99.5 yards per game on the ground and could result in massive amounts of points for Pierce owners.

The second-year man out of Temple figured to be a big part of the Baltimore game plan with Rice at 100 percent and could become a focal point of the offense in his possible absence. A total of 25 touches wouldn’t be unreasonable, as Pierce could garner 20-plus carries and is capable of catching the ball in the flats when quarterback Joe Flacco checks down.

It’s clear that the Ravens trust Pierce, as he was being heavily utilized prior to Rice’s injury. The team lost its feature back towards the beginning of the fourth quarter and had to forge ahead with Pierce as the primary option out of the backfield.

The Ravens would go on to win, 14-6, with Pierce generating a total of 57 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries.

Even before being sidelined with the hip issue, Rice was underwhelming. The former Rutgers star finished with 36 yards on 13 touches, but failed to reach the end zone and fumbled the ball away in the third quarter.

The performance only reinforced the notion that head coach John Harbaugh has implemented a timeshare in which both Pierce and Rice get a fair amount of carries and each player will be utilized around the goal line.

That’s exactly why most owners need to acquire the Baltimore backup in time for Week 3, as he could be poised for a breakout game at his best. Should he split time with a healthy Rice, Pierce is still a solid flex option in deeper leagues and worth holding on to in case of another injury.

Don’t make the mistake of passing over this diamond in the rough, especially now that he has a chance to show his stuff.

Predicted Week 3 Stat Line: 22 carries for 93 yards. Two catches for 13 yards. One touchdown.