3 Chiefs Who Need More Playing Time After Week 5 Win vs. Vikings

The Chiefs pulled off a 27-20 win over the Vikings that was equal parts sloppy and encouraging. We'll always take a win, but Kansas City clearly needs to make improvements to make fans feel comfortable about this team as a true Super Bowl favorite.

Some players have struggled while others have shined in limited playing time. In order for the Chiefs to reach the mountaintop, it's time to give more snaps to those players making a true impact on the field.

Let's look at three Chiefs who need more playing time following Sunday's narrow victory. The defense has been among the league's best, so I'll focus on the struggling offense for these purposes.

3 Chiefs Who Deserve More Playing Time

1. Justin Watson, WR

Whew what a catch! Watson made the play of the game when he hauled in a 3rd-and-18 moonshot from Patrick Mahomes on the first drive of the second half.

Kansas City couldn't afford to go three-and-out with the game tied, so Watson's impressive catch was as clutch as any play made by a Chief this season.

The unassuming 27-year-old out of Pennsylvania has been the Chiefs' most impactful receiver this season. He has only 10 catches, but his 219 yards leads Kansas City's receiving group while his 21.9 yards per catch are indicative of his home run ability.

When the team needs a spark, Mahomes looks Watson's way. He was on the field for only 44% of snaps, but he's arguably been the best receiver this season.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who fills a similar big-play role, has only seven catches for 116 yards despite earning significantly more playing time. Watson is a better player right now and should take away more of Valdes-Scantling's snaps moving forward.

He's not the only receiver who needs to be on the field more, though.