If the Chiefs ever need WR Donnie Avery to have a big game, it's on Sunday when they open the regular season against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium. Dwayne Bowe won't play because of his NFL suspension and the other four Chiefs wide receivers have a combined 21 career NFL receptions.
"Whether it's putting me in some of the Dwayne Bowe plays or putting the young guys in some of the Dwayne Bowe plays, we've got to step up and take that role," Avery said.
Avery is the most logical candidate. Frankie Hammond Jr., playing his first NFL game, will get a lot of the snaps that otherwise would go to Bowe. Junior Hemingway also figures to get a lot of playing time, but he missed most of the preseason with hamstring and hip injuries. A.J. Jenkins hasn't been of much help and Albert Wilson is an undrafted rookie also playing his first NFL game.
If experience means anything, Avery will be the go-to wide receiver Sunday for quarterback Alex Smith.
We would be a bit higher on Avery if not for a tough matchup against the Titans secondary that features a top cover corner in Jason McCourty. TE Travis Kelce could have his coming out party against the Titans, who struggled to cover tight ends in 2013.
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