Buffalo Bills: 4 under-the-radar Chiefs to watch in AFC Championship

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 17: Wide receiver Mecole Hardman #17 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the football against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 17, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Mecole Hardman

While he may only be the third passing option for Patrick Mahomes, the Buffalo Bills secondary can’t take Mecole Hardman lightly. The second-year wide receiver is a big play threat waiting to happen as evidenced by his 16.4 yards per reception career average.

The other reason Hardman is one of those under-the-radar players to watch is that he is also the Chiefs’ primary returner. He returned a kickoff for a touchdown last year and this season returned a punt for a touchdown.

The question for Hardman, and his potential impact, is how much playing time will he get if Sammy Watkins is able to return. The former Bills’ wide receiver is dealing with a calf injury that forced him to miss last week and he has been limited in practice this week. In weeks that Watkin has been active, Hardman has seen his snaps on offense take a dip.

If Watkins is not able to go, expect the Buffalo Bills to see plenty of Mecole Hardman this week.

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