5 sneaky threats for Commanders to worry about vs. Patriots in Week 9

Commanders must lock down JuJu Smith-Schuster

Normally, a Super Bowl-winning receiver with a 111-catch season on his CV wouldn't qualify as a sneaky threat. Things are different for JuJu Smith-Schuster, who has been seldom used since swapping life with the Kansas City Chiefs for a move to the New England Patriots in free agency.

Smith-Schuster has played just 54 percent of the snaps this season. That number could be about to increase because of injuries elsewhere on the depth chart.

Kendrick Bourne has torn his ACL, while DeVante Parker is dealing with a concussion. Therefore, Smith-Schuster represents the only dependable wideout they have remaining.

Their absences should mean greater exposure for Smith-Schuster. Especially since the 26-year-old caught his first touchdown in a Patriots uniform last week.

Smith-Schuster's a roving, big-bodied target between the numbers. Because of this, the Washington Commanders will need a physical approach to stop him.

Having Benjamin St-Juste shadow him should do the trick. But there's another big target the Commanders can't ignore.