Josh Gordon vs. Mecole Hardman: Gordon's Stock Rising in Chiefs Offense?

Surprisingly, the Kansas City Chiefs have struggled on offense this season. Much less efficient than recent years, Kansas City’s offense currently leads the NFL in turnovers, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading the league in interceptions thrown. 

Tyreek Hill is third in the NFL in drops, and Travis Kelce has not played to his expected level, losing a fumble last week. One man that can’t take the blame for the Chiefs offensive woes is wide receiver Josh Gordon, as he just became a member of the team not too long ago, and has rarely seen action. But, that appears like it’s beginning to change. 

Gordon’s offensive snap percentage went from 11% in Week 7 to 40 percent in Week 8. By comparison, wide receiver Mecole Hardman’s snap percentage dropped from 68% in Week 7 to 49 percent in Week 8. The decrease in snaps played may be a sign of Hardman’s own turnover issues, losing a fumble in back-to-back weeks in Weeks 6 and 7. 

Although Gordon has narrowed the gap on playing time with Hardman, Gordon still only received one target last week and failed to record a reception; Hardman caught five passes for 63 yards on seven targets. It may be safe to assume that Mahomes is more comfortable sending the football Hardman’s way, potentially being used more in short yardage passing plays, which is how the Chiefs offense has been operating. 

Mahomes is averaging just 7.1 air yards per attempt, the lowest of his career. Until Mahomes decides to start slinging the pigskin downfield, it’s hard to trust the production that comes with Gordon’s increased snap count.

WynnBET Sportsbook has set Mecole Hardman's receiving yards prop at 38.5 yards (Over: -110/Under: -112) and his anytime touchdown scorers prop at +225. Gordon was not listed with receiving props, but he can be wagered on for anytime touchdown scorer at a whopping +650.