KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patrick Mahomes has spent enough time with Travis Kelce to recognize there are distinct sides to the tight end’s game. There’s the Travis Kelce of the regular season, known for his Hall of Fame caliber performances, and then there’s the postseason version, a player who seems to elevate his game to an almost legendary level, contributing to the Chiefs’ quest for their fourth Super Bowl title.
Despite what some may view as a lackluster regular season performance for the 35-year-old Kelce, he showcased his talents during the divisional round against the Texans on Saturday, recording seven receptions for 117 yards and securing a touchdown in a 23-14 triumph. This impressive feat contributed significantly to the team’s total offensive yardage of 212, which highlighted Mahomes’s passing efforts for the game.
“Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games. That’s how simple it is,” Mahomes remarked, moments after delivering a touchdown pass to Kelce while being tackled hard by a Houston defender. “He just goes out and executes at a high level, just like he does in the regular season, but at a higher intensity in the playoffs.”
It seems fitting that the Chiefs mirror this mentality. Throughout the regular season, they compiled a remarkable 15-2 record, earning the top seed and enjoying a first-round bye. Nevertheless, the journey was anything but straightforward, with many of their victories coming by narrow margins, often relying on last-minute efforts for success.
However, the Chiefs appeared to have turned a corner on Saturday. While their offense opted for a strategy focused on securing the ball and minimizing errors—leading to a lesser yardage output—their defense made a statement by racking up eight sacks against quarterback C.J. Stroud. Their special teams played a key role too, coming close to returning a kickoff for a touchdown and successfully converting all their field goals and extra points, propelling them into their seventh consecutive AFC championship game.
Once again, they will face the Buffalo Bills, who narrowly defeated the Ravens 27-25 on Sunday. The Chiefs and Bills have a history in the playoffs, with Kansas City having bested Buffalo three times since January 2021, including a notable 38-24 victory for a spot in the Super Bowl.
“Every feeling and every journey is different,” remarked Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones. He recounted the challenges they faced getting here and emphasized their heightened motivation this time around. “We are even hungrier to get there now because of what is at stake: a three-peat.”
Looking at their performance on Saturday, it was evident the Chiefs made life difficult for Stroud. George Karlaftis led the charge with three of the team’s eight sacks, one of which came at a crucial fourth-down juncture. Significantly, their ability to pressure the quarterback without heavily relying on blitzing is a testament to their defensive prowess.
On the other hand, the Chiefs’ passing game faced scrutiny, as the absence of catches from key receivers like DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster raised concerns. While this may have worked in the divisional matchup against Houston, such a strategy might not hold against tougher opponents in the AFC title game.
Rookie receiver Xavier Worthy continued to shine with five receptions for 45 yards, showcasing his potential with a highlight-reel one-handed catch. However, running back Isiah Pacheco’s struggles after an injury were evident, as he managed just 18 yards on five carries. That performance contrasts sharply with Kareem Hunt’s effective outing, which raised questions about Pacheco’s current position in the running back lineup.
In terms of health, safety Bryan Cook and Justin Reid both faced minor injuries during the game but were able to return. Additionally, defensive back Jaylen Watson marked his much-anticipated return after recovering from an ankle injury sustained in mid-October.
As for historical context, the Chiefs have now reached seven consecutive AFC title games, winning four of the previous six appearances.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs will meet the Bills again this Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium. Buffalo has dominated the last four regular-season encounters, while Kansas City maintains a playoff edge with victories in three previous postseason matchups, including two in the divisional round and one for the AFC title.
