Toughest Opposing Pass Catching Groups On Chiefs 2022 Schedule

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Winning NFL games can be determined by a few different factors. One of the more prevalent ones, especially in today’s pass happy league, is the matchups. Who is going to come through in one-on-one battles when the X’s and O’s square off?

When looking at the 2022 schedule for the Kansas City Chiefs, there are many exciting opponents on the docket. Some star players have been dominating as veterans for quite a while. Whereas in recent seasons, some younger players have stepped right in and taken off at the onset of their professional careers.

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, we will be looking at the toughest opponents on the Chiefs schedule. We wrote about the toughest opposing running backs the other day, which you can read here. Eventually, we will individually rank the opposing quarterbacks on Kansas City’s schedule as well.

Today, we will look into the toughest opposing pass catching groups on the team’s schedule. Which groups are only deep at wide receiver? Who has the total package at wideout, along with top-flight tight ends or running backs? Keep in mind, there were a couple of worthy candidates that just missed the cut, namely the Los Angeles Rams and the Las Vegas Raiders. Who cracked the top five among opposing pass catching groups on KC’s schedule? Let’s kick it off.

5) Los Angeles Chargers

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What makes the Los Angeles Chargers so dangerous, is that the top traits of their pass catchers match the style of play of quarterback Justin Herbert. His downfield passing is successful for a number of ways. Mainly, his arm strength is among the best in the entire NFL. Deep passing seems just so effortless for Herbert. LA’s weapons are extremely dangerous vertically down the field with their play strength at the catch point. To boot, the ball skills are flawless.

The Chargers are a team that boasts two WR1s on their depth chart. Keenan Allen has long been one of the most savvy route runners in the entire league. Other items like his body control and adjustments at the catch point help to leave opponents guessing on how to defend him. Beyond that, Mike Williams can rely on a unique size and speed makeup. He has really put it all together after battling injuries early in his career.

Running back Austin Ekeler is one of the more efficient pass catchers at his position. He can create numerous explosive plays in a variety of ways. Whereas with the other wide receivers, the depth of Jalen Guyton, DeAndre Carter and Josh Palmer can be productive.

4) Denver Broncos

There may not be a true WR1 level type of pass catcher among this group. Yet, the trio of Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick and Courtland Sutton has each produced fairly well over the last couple of seasons. Health and consistency have been items that each of the three have battled. When someone is out of the lineup or struggling, it appears that one of these three picks up the slack immensely, nonetheless. Both Patrick and Sutton can provide physicality and vertical ability. On the flip side, Jeudy has been effective after the catch and when leaning on his speed.

The tight end room is full of potential as well. Denver has done an admirable job of building up depth at this position. That is especially true after how bare the production felt from the Broncos’ tight ends in the last handful of years. Albert Okwuegbunam could be a possible breakout candidate with a new quarterback like Russell Wilson now in the fold. Meanwhile, the third-round selection of UCLA’s Greg Dulcich could become a steal from the 2022 draft class. Lastly, the pass catching ability of running backs Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon should not go unnoticed.

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Like the Chargers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers boast two WR1s on their depth chart. However, their constant dominance and torrid pace each season puts them head and shoulders above the duo of LA’s Allen and Williams. Mike Evans has produced at least 1,000 receiving yards in all eight of his professional seasons. Furthermore, he has registered at least eight receiving touchdowns in six of his eight years with Tampa Bay. He is a rare breed that is finally getting his well-earned recognition now that Tom Brady is in town.

Chris Godwin has been just as dominant for the Buccaneers. He has dealt with a few injuries in recent seasons. If not for those, his receiving yardage numbers could all be over 1,000 in three consecutive seasons. Even still, Godwin has been a yard after catch demon. His career yards per reception average sits at 13.6 entering 2022.

The fact that tight end Rob Gronkowski is still unsigned drops Tampa Bay slightly down this list. At the same time, prime opportunities await for depth options like Russell Gage, Breshad Perriman and Cyril Grayson among this Bucs pass catching group.

2) Cincinnati Bengals

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Like the Broncos, the Cincinnati Bengals have a well-rounded trio at the top of their wide receiver depth chart. The star power is much more prevalent for the young stars in tiger stripes. Ever since Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd have entered the NFL, no matter when that may have been, they have always looked poised. No matchup or moment is too big for the dynamic Cincinnati pass catchers.

Simply put, the three Bengals wide receivers are very interchangeable. They can each rely on smooth cutting routes, pinpoint ball skills and elusiveness after the catch. The only reason as to why the Bengals are not number one on this list? Quite frankly, there are much more questions surrounding Cincinnati‘s depth than the number one team on this list. If names like Hayden Hurst, Drew Sample or even Mike Thomas can come through, the Bengals will be nearly unstoppable.

1) Buffalo Bills

In my opinion, Stefon Diggs is currently the best route runner in the NFL. His ability to transition and cut in and out of breaks is not just smooth, but highly efficient. It is also unpredictable as to how Diggs will attack leverage points. Thus, defensive backs are left guessing more often than not against him. His rapport with quarterback Josh Allen has quickly helped them become one of the most effective quarterback-wide receiver duos in the league.

The depth of Buffalo’s wide receivers are full of quickness and fluid route runners. Gabriel Davis finished the season strong in 2021. His playoff performance has given him a boost on the offense. Moreover, new additions like Jamison Crowder, Khalil Shakir and Tavon Austin give them plenty of advantageous opportunities in space. That should come in handy for this Bills offense, mainly because of their heavy use of 11 personnel.

Tight end Dawson Knox has done nothing but increase his numbers each season. He can win down the field or in tight areas. Finally, the draft selection of running back James Cook could fully unlock Buffalo’s offense to be the highest scoring each and every week.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles in the coming days. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.