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    5 underrated Chiefs who can help keep the team winning in pursuit of NFL's first ever three-peat

    By Nick Roesch,

    20 hours ago

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    The Kansas City Chiefs are off to a perfect 5-0 start on the season, but there' still a long way to go.

    The best part of the Chiefs being undefeated is that they still haven't really hit their stride offensively. They're coming off their best performance of the year against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5, but still left a lot of points on the field. Andy Reid and the rest of the coaching staff are no doubt using the bye week to identify and fix their top issues .

    Superstars such as Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones will obviously play major roles in the pursuit of the first three-peat in NFL history, but it will take a total team effort. Multiple other Chiefs players will need to step up and help carry the load, especially with all the injuries that the team has already suffered.

    Here are five underrated players who can help keep Kansas City stay on the winning path and bring home another Super Bowl title.

    RB Kareem Hunt

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    © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

    Just a few weeks ago, nobody would have thought that Hunt would not only be back with the Chiefs, but would instantly be one of their best players on offense. However, that is exactly what has happened, as Hunt has racked up 202 total yards and one touchdown in two games.

    Hunt will be a big part of the Chiefs' offense for the remainder of the season. He has proven that he is healthy and still has plenty of burst and power in his game. With K.C. being down its top two receivers for the year, having an effective running game is going to be a huge relief Mahomes and the passing game. When Isiah Pacheco returns, he and Hunt should make for a dynamic RB duo.

    WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

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    © Denny Medley-Imagn Images

    When the New England Patriots released Smith-Schuster during the preseason after a disappointing year-long run with them, many people wrote him off from ever being a significant contributing NFL receiver again. Smith-Schuster proved the doubters wrong last week, catching seven passes for 130 yards against the Saints.

    Beyond just the production, Smith-Schuster looked fast and fluid as he was racking up yards after the catch. He will be a vital piece of the Chiefs' receiving corps moving forward, not only on the field but with his veteran leadership off the field. Smith-Schuster is a natural fit for Reid's offense and makes a perfect complement to speedster rookie receiver Xavier Worthy.

    LT Wanya Morris

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    Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

    If the Chiefs are going to take a step forward offensively, Morris is going to have to step up. He was forced into action back in Week 2 when it became clear that rookie Kingsley Suamataia wasn't ready to be a starter in the NFL yet. While Morris has been an upgrade, it hasn't been by much.

    Now midway through his second year, it's time for Morris to take his game up a notch. Giving Mahomes an extra second or two will make a world of difference, and keeping him upright by not taking extra unnecessary hits is vital. If Morris can settle in and be at least a league-average left tackle, K.C.'s offense will improve.

    DB Chamarri Conner

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    © Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

    Conner has an underrated but important role as the nickel back in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's scheme. He takes on a ton of different responsibilities, including covering pass catchers in the slot, playing against the run as a box safety and blitzing the quarterback.

    Conner is having a tremendous season, recording 28 tackles, one sack, one interception and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. He was the Chiefs highest graded DB against the Saints last week per Pro Football Focus . Conner's versatility will pay big dividends down the stretch for K.C.'s defense.

    DL Charles Omenihu

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    Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports

    Omenihu is currently on injured reserve as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL that he suffered during last year's AFC Championship game. He is projected to return in mid-November and he should give K.C. a huge boost along the defensive line. While the Chiefs' defense has done a good job of applying pressure to QBs, it ranks in the middle of the pack in sacks after finishing second in that category last season.

    Omenihu's return will provide some extra pass rush juice. He recorded 6.5 sacks during his last nine games last year (including the postseason). He can play every position along the defensive line, which not only provides Spagnuolo with another asset, but will help keep guys fresh.

    Related: Kansas City Chiefs bye week rookie report cards: WR Xavier Worthy has been a difference maker

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