Kansas City Chiefs: Top 5 Receiving Options for 2012 Season

Much has been made of the receiving arsenal that will be available to Matt Cassel in 2012.

On every passing down, Cassel should have no shortage of open receivers, giving Kansas City the chance to have one of the most lethal passing attacks in the NFL this season.

With some veteran experience returning from injury and some fresh legs joining the roster via the draft, all signs point to the 2012 NFL season being statistically the best of Matt Cassel's career.

Here are his top five receiving options.

5. Steve Breaston

With so much else going on downfield, Breaston is going to be the forgotten man in the eyes of most defenses.  

This should lead to a lot of open looks.

Expect Breaston's veteran poise and field awareness to make him a favorite target when the Chiefs absolutely must have a catch. 

4. Jonathan Baldwin

Baldwin is postured to have a big year in Kansas City.  

All signs point to him locking up the No. 2 receiver spot outright, which should lead to solid numbers, especially in the red zone.  

His size will be an invaluable asset when Cassel is under pressure and has to throw it up for grabs.

3. Devon Wylie

I've been catching a little flak for my man-crush on Wylie and his potential, but I really don't think Chiefs fans understand what they have in this kid.

The sure-handed slot receiver ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine, placing him among the fastest players drafted.  

His elusiveness, combined with that blazing speed, makes him a threat to score with every catch, whether a five-and-out or a downfield streak. 

Think Wes Welker with DeSean Jackson's speed.  Scary.

2. Tony Moeaki

Tight end is the trend in the NFL right now.  

If you don't have one—a good one—you're already behind.

Moeaki's return from injury could be the wild card for the Chiefs this season.

Expect him to play a huge role in Kansas City's offense and build on the solid rookie season he had in 2010.

If Moeaki can start the season fast, he'll boost the sale of headache medicine in the Kansas City opponent's defensive coordinator demographic.

1. Dwayne Bowe

Quite simply, Dwayne Bowe will be as good as he wants to be.  

He has all the tools to be a Calvin or Andre Johnson-like receiver in this league.  

His problem has been consistency.

The norm for Bowe seems like 1,000 yards and six touchdowns, but he has the ability to do what he did in 2010 (1,162 yards, 15 TDs) every season.

If he can turn in anything close to his 2010 performance, the Kansas City Chiefs could find themselves hosting a playoff game in January.