5 players that can propel the Colts into the playoffs

3. Alec Pierce 

Alec Pierce is a receiver in this core that has looked to find his stride this season, and he may be there now after the Titans game. Yes, Michael Pittman Jr. had a phenomenal outing, but the players like Josh Downs and Pierce here will be the key to the postseason.

Downs has also proved well, but this team has waited on that third receiver to really get going. The Cincinnati product Pierce has only one touchdown and under 400 yards this season, but there is plenty of time for those numbers to rise. 

He has a solid 6-foot-3 frame that can be useful in the red zone or short-yardage situations, it is just a matter of him using it effectively and providing an option for Minshew. His touchdown against Tennessee brought back the thoughts of his potential, but now it is about consistency. 

A player like Pierce starting to finally break out can carry a team right to the postseason, a receiver like him can win or lose a team's games especially when Pittman has to face a shutdown corner. Having that third wide receiver playing well opens up the playbook a ton, and Steichen with a wide-open playbook can bring about plenty of offense. 

This is a young receiving core with a ton of potential, and Pierce has quite a bit of that. Will he continue to play well with this new momentum? Time will tell, but it can change the entire dynamic of this offense.