3 Chiefs Who Will Be Surprise X-Factors in Super Bowl 58
By Joe Summers
2. Marquez Valdes-Scantling - WR
The Marquez Valdes-Scantling resurgence is underway and looking great! He helped seal the wins against both the Bills and Ravens with excellent clutch catches down the stretch with four catches for 100 yards across the two contests.
He played 83% of the snaps in the AFC Championship game and should get at least one opportunity to make a big impact. The much-maligned deep threat had six catches for 118 yards and a TD in last year's AFC title win over the Bengals, so we know he can handle a decent workload in a massive moment.
Love this concept from Reid. On a 3rd & 9 with AFC Championship on the line. The Chiefs work Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a vertical from 3-strong. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/S3o39OO6S6
— Lance Reisland (Coach Riz) (@LanceReisland) February 8, 2024
I'd expect the 49ers defense will focus on stopping Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, which would open up plays for Valdes-Scantling to get behind the defense.
We saw the Chiefs help clinch the first Super Bowl victory against the 49ers with a deep throw to Sammy Watkins, and Valdes-Scantling could have a similar catch. After all, that throw to Watkins looks a lot like the one to Valdes-Scantling against the Bills that he pinned to his helmet.
Set to hold a cap hit over $13.9 next year, I'll be stunned if Valdes-Scantling is back with the Chiefs next year unless he accepts a reworked deal. This just might be his last game with Kansas City and he's got a fantastic chance to go out on top.
This last player is a young defender, but could stamp his legacy with the organization forever.