Patrick Mahomes is just one of several injury concerns for Kansas City Chiefs
By Matt Conner
Sammy Watkins
The Chiefs were fortunate to see wide receiver Mecole Hardman step up on Sunday afternoon and it’s possible that the offense could, once again, get by without Sammy Watkins among the available pass catchers. That said, the offense moves the chains at a much easier level when Watkins is able to line up as well.
Playoff teams get as far as a conference championship in part because their defenses are so good at keying in on and taking out players. Bill Belichick has long been a master of eliminating a team’s best offensive player, and the Buffalo Bills are capable of doing just that with players like cornerback Tre’Davious White.
This means that opposing defenses are only going to get better at taking out—or at least limiting—elite performers like wideout Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce. Given the holes along the offensive line (we’ll get there) and the backfield (we’ll get there, too), Watkins should give the Chiefs a trifecta of great pass catchers with which they can move the chains. Unfortunately Watkins has been out since Week 16.
The Chiefs were hopeful that resting him in Week 17 and the bye week as well would allow Watkins’ calf injury to heal, but he missed practice all last week. It will be interesting to see if Watkins can return this week in any capacity. He was designated as out for the Divisional Round fairly early.
If Watkins can go, the Chiefs offense will take a leap to another level. Watkins has been an unstoppable force in the postseason for the Chiefs in years past, including 288 yards in 3 games during last season’s championship run. If they want to beat the Bills and capture a second straight title, they will need Watkins to make it happen.