As the Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings, they remain in limbo with most of their key injuries.
The Chiefs offense desperately needs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and left tackle Eric Fisher back to so that it can return to being the explosive unit it was in 2018 and earlier this season. Kansas City will remain in first place in the AFC West no matter what happens this week, but their lead is getting smaller with each passing week.
Let’s take a look at one player from each side of the ball who could make a difference against the Vikings on Sunday.
Offense: WR Mecole Hardman
Hardman has been a difference-maker for the offense as a rookie on limited touches. According to Pro Football Focus, Hardman is No. 1 among all receivers in passer rating when targeted (153.3) and leads the NFL in yards after the catch per reception (10.9). He is also doing a good job in the kick and punt return game. Nine of his 13 returns have gone for over 20 yards.
Hardman made two big plays last week against the Green Bay Packers, including scoring a 30-yard touchdown on a jet sweep. Despite his playmaking ability, Hardman got just nine offensive snaps last week. That is far too few, especially with Mahomes out. Hardman should play a bigger role against the Vikings.
Defense: DT Chris Jones
After missing the last three games, Jones will return this week barring a setback. He participated in full during Thursday’s practice.
Jones is the leader of the defense and one of the most disruptive interior defenders in the league. He’s returning at just the right time — the Vikings have the No. 3 rushing offense in the NFL. Running back Dalvin Cook leads the league in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins is at his best when he can feed off a successful running game with play-action. Having Jones back will be a big boost for a defense that has been doing a much better job against the run and getting to the quarterback over the past couple of weeks. We could even see Jones play some defensive end this week because it looks like Tanoh Kpassagnon and Emmanuel Ogbah might be the only two ends available.
