Four Reasons Why The Chiefs Can Beat Denver

#1 – Jason Avant

Sep 14, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jason Avant (81) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter. The Panthers defeated the Lions 24-7 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Aside from having familiarity with the head coach, Jason Avant also brings a stat line for the season of 21 catches, 201 receiving yards, and one touchdown. While that may not have you standing up to cheer, it shows an accomplishment that no other Chiefs receiver has managed yet this year — catching a receiving touchdown. It is not a grand achievement, but it underscores why this signing makes so much sense.

At 31, Avant is unlikely to bring a receiving renaissance to the Chiefs. Without him though, there are only three Chiefs wide outs who aren’t injured: Dwayne Bowe, Frankie Hammond and Albert Wilson (Junior Hemingway is listed as “Questionable” as this is being written). Hammond and Wilson are each rookies and have combined for a total of seven catches on the year. In fact, even if Hemingway, Donnie Avery and A.J. Jenkins all miraculously came back from injury this week, they would all still have worse stats than Avant.

With Avant in the lineup, it gives Alex Smith another pass catching option. That should take at least some pressure off of the run game and the rest of the offense.