In the realm of fantasy football, where every decision counts, the discussion around Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is at the forefront of many draft strategies. Known for his consistent production and elite talent, Kelce has been a fantasy football powerhouse for nearly a decade. However, as he enters the twilight of his career at 34 years old, questions arise about whether he can maintain his status as one of the top options at his position.
Kelce’s performance in the 2023 season raised some eyebrows, as he fell from his usual perch atop the tight end rankings. Finishing behind the likes of Sam LaPorta and Evan Engram in PPR leagues, Kelce’s statistics, while still impressive for most players, left fantasy owners wanting more. With a slight dip in production compared to previous seasons, some are wondering if Kelce’s best days are behind him.
Analyzing the advanced metrics provides further insight into Kelce’s performance. While still considered one of the premier tight ends in both real life and fantasy football, Kelce’s PFF grade and yards per route run saw a slight decline in the 2023 season. This, coupled with his age, raises concerns about his ability to maintain his high level of play.
Despite a brief resurgence in January, there are indications that Kelce may continue to see a decline in fantasy output. The addition of Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy to the Chiefs’ receiving corps adds competition for targets, potentially limiting Kelce’s opportunities in the passing game. While Kelce may still be a top target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, it is unlikely he will see the same volume of passes as in previous seasons.
With fantasy experts projecting Kelce as the TE2 in drafts, some may find his price too high for the potential return on investment. The recommendation to wait on selecting a tight end and opt for a receiver like Mike Evans or D.J. Moore before targeting players like Mark Andrews later in the draft is gaining traction among fantasy enthusiasts.
As the debate around Travis Kelce’s fantasy value continues, one thing is certain – his legacy as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history is secure. Whether he can live up to the expectations of fantasy football owners remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – the discussion around Kelce’s fantasy outlook is far from over. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds.
