1 tight end, but the decline is modest (Getty Images) Travis Kelce is no longer the clear No.
Through eight games, Kelce averages about 60 yards a game with a 67 percent catch rate. His 14.6 yards per catch matches what ESPN projects over a full season, which works out to 70 catches for 1,024 yards. Last year he finished with 76 catches, 851 yards and five touchdowns.
He is catching fewer balls and going farther for them. Rotowire notes career highs in yards per catch and yards per target. The rankings agree. He is fifth among tight ends in PPR points per game, yet SI placed him ninth on its preseason list.
Rashee Rice caught five passes for 49 yards on seven targets against the Jets, and Xavier Worthy managed 6-48, both on very short routes. He caught four of six targets for 72 yards in the 35-12 win, including a 38-yard catch, and led the team in receiving yards. He and Patrick Mahomes have now connected for more than 9,360 yards, the most ever for a quarterback and tight end pair. Dalton Kincaid has 27 catches for 401 yards in seven games, which is close to Kelce’s per-game pace.
Kansas City’s receiver group is banged up. The team traded for Josh Downs this week to add help. Kelce was the one who stretched the field. Younger tight ends have not run away from him either. Next up is a road game in Atlanta. The Falcons just traded safety Jessie Bates, which softens the matchup a little.