Fantasy Managers Won’t Like Patrick Mahomes’ Explanation Of Travis Kelce’s Slow Start

Travis Kelce underwhelmed for the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs through three weeks.

Kelce combined for eight receptions and 69 yards in three games and has yet to score a touchdown. The typical fantasy football superstar currently ranks 20th in scoring at the tight end position as he’s averaging a mere five points per contest, per Fantasy Pros.

Fantasy managers who drafted Kelce with their third or fourth-round pick certainly are not happy. And Patrick Mahomes’ explanation of Kelce’s sluggish start likely won’t make them feel any better.

“It’s crazy because teams still — the respect factor they have for Travis is just unreal,” Mahomes told reporters after Kansas City’s win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, per Sports Illustrated. “I mean, it’s well-deserved, but we’re calling a lot of plays for Travis, and it’s like two or three people are going to him. So, he understands.”

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Kelce’s lack of production hasn’t handcuffed the Chiefs, however. Kansas City’s offense ranks fifth in points scored and Mahomes has thrown the sixth-most touchdowns.

Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice leads all pass-catchers with 24 receptions for 288 yards while Xavier Worthy is second on the team in yards (81) on six catches. Rice has scored more fantasy points than every receiver besides the New York Giants’ Malik Nabers.

“I think that’s the great thing about him (Kelce), is he wants to make an impact on the game, but he wants to win at the end of the day,” Mahomes said. “And I’m going to try to do my best to keep feeding him the ball whenever he’s there, whenever he’s open.

“I think the more Rashee makes plays, the more we’re able to run the football, the more we can get Worthy involved. I think that’s going to open Travis up more. I mean, people are really emphasizing trying to take him away, and it’s getting other guys open.” 

While opposing defenses selling out to take Kelce out of the game might be fine for Kansas City’s offense, it’s certainly not good for those who have him in their lineup every week.