Chiefs secondary could be in for surprise from Chargers rookie WRs

Key player matchups are generally more anticipated for specific division games. The Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers each have their share of stars to lean on. Many of those highly paid players will be the most trusted to come through in certain situations. But division rivalries also give us a chance to see which young pieces may break out.

The Chargers have a couple of under-the-radar pieces worth monitoring on Friday night. Los Angeles spent two draft picks on wide receivers back in April. Tre Harris was selected in the second round out of Ole Miss. Meanwhile, they used a fifth-round pick on KeAndre Lambert-Smith from Auburn.

There has been plenty of reshuffling in the Chargers' wide receiver room over the last couple of years. Ladd McConkey broke out in a major way as a rookie last season. Keenan Allen is back with L.A. after a one-year trial run with the Chicago Bears. Quentin Johnston is still looking to find consistent footing as well. With some questions still lingering for that group, this gives both Harris and Lambert-Smith a chance to earn consistent opportunities as rookies.

How could these receivers impact the opening game against Kansas City? Plus, what may be the best course of action to attack Harris and Lambert-Smith from the perspective of the Chiefs' defense?

Where Harris, Lambert-Smith are most dangerous

Training camp and the preseason do not paint the whole picture, obviously. But entering the regular season, KeAndre Lambert-Smith was impressing just as much as Tre Harris in the ramp-up to the actual games. That is crucial to how Los Angeles may attack the Chiefs' secondary on Friday. Does Lambert-Smith see a few more snaps? Will Harris have to be eased in slowly?

Lambert-Smith can be a possible size mismatch for the Chargers' offense. The Chiefs do not necessarily boast the same mass in their secondary, especially at cornerback. Being a potential vertical threat on explosive shots is where Lambert-Smith may impact things the most against Kansas City.

Meanwhile, Harris is most effective after the catch, based on his Ole Miss tape. How he separates, and whether he can do so consistently, will be an early hurdle for him as a rookie. Seeing how Lambert-Smith excels in that area as well could determine just how improved the Chargers' passing attack is this season.

How L.A. may utilize rookies versus K.C.

It would not be surprising to see either Tre Harris or KeAndre Lambert-Smith receiving some isolated routes on Friday night. Getting them into the offensive focus out of the gate has to be on the minds of the Chargers, given the turnover at their wide receiver spot. Some rookies are protected by teams in the first week of the season. But given the depth questions behind McConkey overall, it would not be stunning to see Harris or Lambert-Smith getting continued chances in this first game. Allen's extended usage throughout his career can also play a factor in how L.A. utilizes these two rookies.

Justin Herbert is as accurate and strong as any passer in the league. But after how his offense finished last season, the Bolts are hoping that an aerial attack can heighten their results this season. Of course, Herbert will not be afraid to be aggressive and let it rip if Los Angeles lets him loose. If the Chargers are more willing to live through the air in these major head-to-head matchups, that could give Harris and Lambert-Smith a chance to get comfortable early.

How Chiefs can keep Chargers' rookies grounded

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will likely counteract both Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith with heavy man coverage. If K.C. can stay over the top of the pair of rookie pass catchers, that could limit how much action Harris and Lambert-Smith receive on Friday.

The Chiefs will still be expected to place more of their focus on McConkey. Given what he created with Herbert last year, and the different alignments the Chargers place him in, Kansas City cannot get torched by McConkey.

But if the Chargers are looking to funnel in immediate wrinkles in the opening game, the chances should not be hesitant toward Harris and Lambert-Smith. They could arguably make or break how far the Los Angeles offense reaches this season. In the end, that may also determine whether the Chargers are playoff-bound or not.