Rookie wide receivers set to play key role in Super Bowl race

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 08: A.J. Brown #11 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after he scored a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game at RingCentral Coliseum on December 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 08: Mecole Hardman #17 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs on his way to scoring a 48-yard receiving touchdown during the second quarter against the New England Patriots in the game at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

Kansas City Chiefs – Mecole Hardman

Tyreek Hill’s return means Hardman has not had the impact perhaps expected of the second-round pick. However, the former Georgia speedster has still enjoyed an impressive rookie year and is a key player in an explosive offense.

Hardman has 25 catches for 508 yards and six touchdowns this season, averaging 20 yards per reception.

Assuming Patrick Mahomes stays healthy, Hardman’s ability to make plays downfield should see him receive plenty of targets in the postseason.

Hill and Kelce will likely see the majority of targets but don’t be surprised if Hardman — who leads the league with 4.1 yards of average separation, according to NextGen Stats — makes a significant explosive play in a postseason game.

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