Saints vs. Chiefs NFL Monday Night Football Predictions and Live Updates: Guide, TV Channel, Kickoff Time, Odds and Latest News

While Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce are considered the big names in a Chiefs offense without Rashee Rice, Kansas City could lean on a few lesser-known names in its first game without its leading receiver.

TE Noah Gray: According to TruMedia, Patrick Mahomes had the second-most passing yards (300) and fourth-most pass attempts (31) among the two tight ends through the first four weeks. Gray, a fourth-year tight end who finished 2023 with 28 receptions for 305 yards and two touchdowns, has had a quiet season so far. However, his biggest workload of the season came in Week 4 after Rice went down and scored all four of his targets from 40 yards.

RB Samaje Perine: The eight-year veteran transitioned to the primary pass catcher in the latter part of his season and has scored 50 goals in each of the last two seasons. Perine had a limited workload through four games, but most of his opportunities came in the last two weeks with Kansas City. He has played 53 offensive snaps in the last two games, including 40 percent of all offensive plays in last week’s game against the Chargers.

WR Justin Watson: Watson is the de facto next wide receiver behind Worthy, partly because he has already held this role before. Last season, he ranked third on the Chiefs and second among Chiefs receivers by turning 53 targets into 27 receptions for 460 yards and three touchdowns. However, Watson has suffered from a case of failures since arriving in Kansas City. In his first two seasons with the Chiefs, Watson recorded a total of nine dropped passes – including four in 2023. According to Pro Football Reference, three of Mahomes’ interceptions in 2023 were on targets for Watson.