Kansas City Chiefs: Five Surprise Candidates to Start in 2016

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Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) – Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

Surprise Players to Start – Number 2: Justin Houston

“Justin Houston not being a for sure starter? Are you crazy, Leigh?” is what I’m sure a lot of you are thinking right now (or you’re just flat out cussing me out), but hear me out.

Justin Houston had to undergo surgery on his ACL this past offseason and the rumors swirling around at the time were that he could miss anywhere from six months to the entire 2016 season. Does that sound like a guy who is guaranteed to be a starter?

While I don’t anticipate Houston missing the entire season, I’d be SHOCKED if he were the starter for the opening game against San Diego. I expect Dee Ford (ugh) to be the starter for the first few weeks, maybe even the first month or two, of the season in Houston’s absence.

Now if Houston does start, I’ll be a happy surprised for sure. This guy is a monster when he’s healthy and the Kansas City Chiefs defense missed that last season.

Get well soon, Justin. We need you out there in full force.

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