Everybody is beginning to make their predictions for the 2024 NFL season.
As the reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs are in the thick of those predictions. The Chiefs are the betting favorites to reach the Super Bowl out of the AFC yet again as they attempt to become the first team in league history to win three championships in a row.
Kansas City still boasts one of the best defensive units in the NFL and added some lethal speed onto its offense in wide receivers Hollywood Brown and Xaiver Worthy. Brown and Worthy will join fellow receiver Rashee Rice and tight end Travis Kelce to make up one of the league's most talented pass catching groups.
With those guys at the forefront, receiver Justin Watson is probably being overlooked by many. However, his spot on the team is very secure and he'll have a role within the Chiefs' offense. Watson is a trusted veteran who knows the playbook well and has sneaky speed.
Is it possible that we're all sleeping on Watson? Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated believes so. In an article where he makes 100 bold predictions for the 2024 season, Orr said he believes that Watson will lead the Chiefs in touchdown receptions, citing that quarterback Patrick Mahomes has the most chemistry with Watson.
That is quite a bold statement by Mr. Orr. Yes, the Chiefs coaching staff and Mahomes have a lot of trust and comfort with Watson, but he has a lot of talented weapons that he'll be sharing the field with. If Watson was ever going to lead K.C. in touchdown catches, it seems like last year would have been the time given all the struggles within the receiving corps.
Brown appears to be a natural fit for coach Andy Reid's offense and is primed to have a big year. Worthy will have plenty of opportunities as well and should make some noise even if he doesn't develop as quickly as we hope. Kelce and Rice are going to get theirs, although a looming suspension for Rice will open up some opportunities for others.
Watson caught three touchdown passes last year and two in 2022. If defense are concentrating so much on all the other Chiefs weapons that they're constantly letting Watson run free, he could have an outside shot. Mahomes has shown over the years that he will spread the ball around. The most likely scenario, however, is Watson producing right around where he has in each of the past two years, and that's okay.
