There was a moment this season when whispers circulated that Travis Kelce might be showing signs of decline.
The veteran tight end, a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs‘ offence for more than a decade, had dipped below his usual dominant form in 2024.
But seven weeks into the 2025 campaign, Kelce is not merely back, he’s leading the charge.
Kelce leads the Chiefs with 375 receiving yards, a figure that speaks volumes for a player whose critics had grown louder.
He also ranks first on the team with 207 yards after catch, showing that his impact remains far beyond just the initial reception. Add to that 20 first downs, and the picture is clear: Kelce is still a driving force in the Chiefs‘ attack.
After the Chiefs shred Las Vegas 31-0 on Sunday, Kelce said, “I think it’s just a glimpse of what you’re going to see from here on out… As long as we keep playing unselfish and getting excited for each other, the sky’s the limit for this group, baby.”
The respect runs both ways. Before the matchup, Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham called him “one of the fiercest competitors,” a nod to the problems Kelce still presents for coverage schemes.
Kelce still central to Chiefs’ game plan
Kelce has not just filled the stat sheet. He’s remained a consistent threat in critical moments, especially when the defence tries to deploy bracket coverage or funnel traffic away from him.
His ability to separate after the catch, convert third-downs and stay productive when expectations were lowered shows why he’s still essential.
Kelce is a 10-time Pro Bowler and has been at the centre of multiple Super Bowl runs with the Chiefs.
Over the years, defences have keyed on him. Yet he has continually found ways to adapt, a trait that is now resurfacing.
While younger receivers may grab headlines, Kelce has remained the dependable outlet for Patrick Mahomes and the rest of this offence.
In a recent Week 7 game, Kelce hauled in a 44-yard reception, his longest of the season so far, and showed in real time that he still has burst and vision.
The play reinforced that his contributions are not just padding stats; they help move the chains and shift momentum.
What makes this particular burst of productivity compelling is not just the volume, it’s the efficiency.
Yards after catch reflect how many defenders he’s evaded, how many blocks he’s found, how many seams he’s exploited. First downs, meanwhile, show he remains tasked with converting when it matters most.
Co-ordinator schemes and surrounding talent matter, too, Kelce is aided by a deep and versatile receiving corps. But his place in the hierarchy remains constant: he is still the fulcrum.
