Patriots vs. Chiefs: 6 Surprise hero candidates

Patriots vs. Chiefs: 6 Surprise hero candidates

Every year, surprise heroes emerge out of nowhere to make huge plays for their team in the NFL playoffs. Last season, the New England Patriots benefitted from the coming-of-age play of Malcolm Butler in the Super Bowl. But the Super Bowl isn’t the only time little-known players come out of the woodwork.

Focusing on the task at hand, here are six surprise hero candidates for the Patriots in the Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Patriots vs. Chiefs: Examining the QBs

6. Brandon LaFell

Here’s the truth: LaFell is a very serviceable receiver when he’s not one of the top options. In 2014, he excelled when Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola were all on the field, snagging 74 passes for 953 yards and seven touchdowns. In the playoffs last year, LaFell was extraordinary; he caught the winning touchdown in the Divisional Round and the opening score in Super Bowl XLIX.

Remembering all 6 of Tom Brady’s career games against the Chiefs

Now that Edelman is back in the fold and Amendola is nearing full health himself, LaFell will have all his best buddies back in the passing game. The Chiefs have a standout secondary, but the Patriots will have all their weapons together for the first time since Week 11, and that’s why LaFell could emerge as a surprise hero in this game.

For what it’s worth, LaFell was perhaps the lone bright spot in the Patriots’ 41-14 loss to Kansas City last season with his 44-yard catch and run touchdown.

Next: 5. Scott Chandler