Travis Kelce could be in trouble despite Chiefs getting off to hot start in Week 1

The Kansas City Chiefs got off to the start they wanted on Thursday night, taking down the Baltimore Ravens in a thrilling game and starting off their second straight title defense with a win. It wasn’t the cleanest game by the Chiefs, but they made enough plays to escape with a 1-0 record.

Patrick Mahomes was efficient and completed passes to eight different receivers, including himself on one rare occasion. Travis Kelce didn’t have the elite game we’ve grown accustomed to, instead seeing wideouts Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy steal the spotlight. But what was surprising to fans was seeing fellow tight end Noah Gray catch as many passes as Kelce and out-gain him.

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Kelce hasn’t had the top-end speed he once had early in his career for a while, but that didn’t stop him from having a career year in 2022 at 33 years old. Still, there were some concerning signs of decline last season, and they appear to have carried over to 2024.

Of course, we shouldn’t write the book on this season after just one game. Kelce can still play a vital role for the Chiefs offense, particularly in the playoffs, but he may give up more targets to his teammates than he’s used to – especially when receiver Marquise Brown returns from injury.