Travis Kelce is a potential fantasy football bust and overvalued draft pick to avoid in 2025. Read the fantasy football outlook and draft advice for the Kansas City Chiefs tight end.
RotoBaller Ranking (half-PPR): TE7
Fantasy Draft Analysis: Kelce is arguably the greatest tight end in the history of the NFL, but he’s on his last legs. While he was still targeted 133 times and caught 97 receptions last year, his efficiency took a significant dip.
Kelce only produced 823 receiving yards on nearly 100 catches and only averaged 8.5 yards per reception, as well as scoring just three touchdowns. It seems he has lost a step and may not offer gamers the same upside he once did.
Third-year receiver Rashee Rice is expected back following an LCL tear he suffered in Week 4 of the 2024 season. Rice seemed to emerge as Kansas City’s top receiver in the first three games of the 2024 season.
Before his injury, Rice posted a 24-288-2 line on 29 targets during the first three games of 2024. This is noteworthy because Kelce’s splits with Rice were very troubling last year. In that same three-game sample, Kelce posted an 8-69-0 line on just 12 targets.
Travis Kelce had the most catches (97) in NFL history for a player in his age-35 season or older last year.
Broke Cris Carter's record (96 in 2000).
Should be his last time as KC's leading receiver though.
— Scott Kacsmar (@ScottKacsmar) July 8, 2025
It seemed that Kansas City wanted to utilize Rice as its new intermediate/short-yardage threat. This would make sense as he offers much more juice after the catch than Kelce currently does at this stage of his career.
Second-year receiver Xavier Worthy also showed signs of improvement at the end of the season, and the team has stated its desire to further incorporate him into the offense. Marquise Brown also re-signed with Kansas City and is healthy entering the season. His presence adds even more target competition for Kelce.
Kelce is one of the greatest players in NFL history, but his best days are behind him. Combine that with a very crowded, young, and talented receiving room, and it becomes obvious Kelce takes a step back in 2025.
- Dave Ventresca
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