The Kansas City Chiefs are set to host Monday Night Football to wrap up Week 5 against their AFC West rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders. Kansas City is entering the game with a 4-1 record, coming off a dismantling of Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend.
The Chiefs have had plenty of success in recent years over the Raiders, regularly blowing them out in their matchups against each other. With their offense clicking once again, and Las Vegas struggling at times to find their footing, it could very well occur again.
Coming into the week, there was a chance that the Chiefs would be a little shorthanded on offense. Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was limited to start the week because of quad and hamstring injuries. That led to him being listed as questionable for the game, but he is trending in the right direction to get out on the field.
Head coach Andy Reid expressed optimism that Smith-Schuster would be able to suit up when he was asked about the wide receiver’s availability on Saturday. Things have remained virtually the same since, as Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that the former Pittsburgh Steeler will be on the field against the Raiders.
That is excellent news for the Chiefs. Smith-Schuster has quickly become a popular target of Patrick Mahomes, as he leads the team’s wide receivers in receptions and yardage with 19 catches for 224 yards. Smith-Schuster has yet to corral a touchdown pass this season.
He is second overall on the team, trailing only all-world tight end Travis Kelce, who has caught 26 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns. Alas, Smith-Schuster is well ahead on the pecking order, as Marquez Valdes-Scantling is the only other wide receiver with 100 yards receiving thus far on the season.
With the former USC standout ready to go, the Chiefs will have their full complement of players against a Raiders that has been shaky defending the pass this season. Las Vegas is currently 24th in yards allowed and 25th in touchdowns, which could provide Smith-Schuster with plenty of chances to produce tonight.
