Travis Kelce turned around what was statistically the worst regular season of his career with a dominant performance in the team’s playoff victory over the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon, a result that quarterback Patrick Mahomes anticipated. Despite having the lowest receiving numbers of his career this season—fewer yards per game, yards per catch, and touchdown receptions—Mahomes believed that Kelce would elevate his game in the postseason.
“I think the greats elevate their game in the playoffs,” Mahomes said earlier this week. “It’s a higher intensity level where the best players and leaders make game-changing plays. Travis has shown that ability, and I anticipate nothing less from him as we enter this postseason.” Kelce certainly delivered, catching seven passes for 117 yards and a touchdown in a 23-14 win that pushed the Chiefs to the AFC Championship Game for the seventh consecutive season.
While Kelce’s performance was impressive, Mahomes made it clear that this was what he expected all along. “Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games… This is Playoff Trav,” Mahomes stated according to Pro Football Talk. “He’s a leader, man. This is what he lives for, is playing in these moments, having the chance to make big-time plays. He goes out there and does that, and it seems like he does it in every single playoff game.”
The Chiefs and Mahomes are undoubtedly hoping for more dominant performances like this from Kelce as they aim for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title, and it’s clear that he is more than capable of delivering.
