4 Underrated Chiefs Heading Into 2024 NFL Season

3. Justin Watson - WR

Justin Watson's final counting stats last season weren't special, catching 27 passes for 460 yards and three TDs, but he earned Patrick Mahomes' trust and routinely made big third-down catches in critical moments.

Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy are sure to siphon away targets and playing time from Watson, but he's still an important member of this offense who shouldn't be overlooked. If Rashee Rice is ultimately suspended, Watson becomes Kansas City's top returning wide receiver. Mecole Hardman is the most experienced but Watson significantly outproduced him.

21 of Watson's 27 receptions went for a first down as he became a chain-mover for Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense.

Watson's athleticism was on full display on several deep catches. Of all the wide receivers on Kansas City's roster, the 2018 fifth-round pick might be the most overlooked. With Worthy injured and adjusting to the NFL and Brown coming into a new offense, I expect Watson to be on the field plenty early in the season.

By the end of the year, the Chiefs won't need Watson to be a critical part of the offense if all goes according to plan. Kansas City's schedule is brutal to open the year though, so Watson will be a key cog in September and October.