The Chiefs enter the playoffs following a surprisingly difficult season in which Kansas City’s offense struggled and the defense shined.
It was not the year Chiefs fans envisioned and while the team still has an excellent chance to win another Super Bowl, several players did not meet expectations in 2023.
With the Chiefs taking on the Dolphins in AFC Wild Card weekend, let’s look at three players who need to be benched for Kansas City to enjoy a deep playoff run.
3 Chiefs Who Need To Be Benched in the Playoffs
1. Marquez Valdes-Scantling – WR
We’ve covered extensively how Valdes-Scantling is likely to be a cap casualty this offseason, but he’s still starting at wide receiver and getting over 70% of the snaps. That has to change for this offense to find success in the playoffs.
Valdes-Scantling finished with just 21 catches on 42 targets for 315 yards and one TD, routinely dropping passes in key moments and drawing the ire of the fanbase.
At some point, the coaching staff needs to ignore salaries and put the best players on the field. Rashee Rice should get the lion’s share of snaps and I’d prefer to see guys like Justin Watson, Richie James and even Justyn Ross get snaps over Valdes-Scantling.
It’s easy to imagine Valdes-Scantling loafing through a key moment and an exasperated look on Patrick Mahomes’ face as a should-be completion drops to the turf.
That’s been a frequent occurance and frankly, I’m sick of seeing it. Give snaps to players who have earned them and let’s right the ship before it’s too late.
