Breakout Colts WR Alec Pierce Explodes for Massive Season—Fantasy Owners & NFL Fans Can’t Ignore This Rising Star

INDIANAPOLIS—Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is turning heads again in 2025, and not just because of his trademark take-the-top-off speed. The fourth-year pro currently paces the NFL at 20.9 yards per catch after leading the league with 22.3 a season ago, positioning himself to become the first back-to-back deep-threat king since Flipper Anderson in 1989-90. Contract year stakes rising Pierce is in the final season of his rookie deal, and league insiders already predict a “big-number” free-agent payday that could exceed $25 million per year. Teammate Michael Pittman Jr. joked that “the price keeps going up,” while position coach Reggie Wayne calls Pierce’s vertical prowess his “Avenger-level superpower.” General manager Chris Ballard must now weigh an early extension against the risk of losing one of the league’s premier field-stretchers on the open market. Route tree now fully in bloom Critics once labeled the 6-foot-3, 211-pounder a one-trick pony, but Pierce has quietly rounded out his game. According to Wayne, the receiver has added curls, slants and outs to complement his go-routes, forcing defenses to respect underneath breaks before he accelerates past safeties. Of his 138 career receptions, 39 have gone for 20-plus yards, and 12 of the Colts’ last 18 completions of 39-plus yards belong to Pierce. Fantasy-football impact for Week 12 For managers eyeing playoff positioning, Pierce profiles as an upside flex option against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12. Kansas City has surrendered the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wideouts this year, but Pierce’s boom potential on limited targets makes him a classic high-ceiling, low-floor play. If quarterback Anthony Richardson connects on even one shot play, the payoff could swing matchups. Why Pierce’s emergence matters to Indy • Stretching the field has unlocked Indy’s RPO-heavy attack, giving Jonathan Taylor lighter boxes. • Young receivers Josh Downs and Adonai Mitchell benefit from softer underneath coverage. • Richardson’s passer rating jumps nearly 30 points on attempts of 20-plus air yards, per team data. What’s next If Pierce continues to post splash plays—and stays on pace to lead the league in yards per reception—the Colts will face escalating leverage scenarios: franchise tag, a lucrative multiyear extension, or a bidding war in March. For now, all eyes turn to Sunday, where a single deep ball could keep both Indy’s playoff hopes and Pierce’s price tag soaring.