<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Travis Kelce</a>’s retirement decision remains up in the air. The veteran tight end has not hidden his frustration with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kansas City Chiefs</a>’ early elimination, and he has now addressed what the future may hold for both himself and the franchise.



After more than a decade of consistent playoff appearances, the Chiefs will not be part of the postseason in 2026. While the final three games of the season may not change their fate, Kelce believes they will play a crucial role in laying the foundation for a potential rebuild heading into next year.



“Things, when you need them the most, just weren’t falling for us, and you’ve got to go back to the drawing board, and we got three games left,” Travis Kelce said, via Pete Grathoff of the Kansas City Star. “I know we’re still talking about this game, but the integrity of who you are as a professional, as a player, you got to love this. And Chiefs Kingdom, we’re going to give you everything we got.



“There’s no question about that. There’s only one way I do things. There’s only one way coach [Andy] Reid does things. And if we’re going to go out there and play some football, we’re going to do it the right way, and keep trying to get these things fixed and end on the highest note that we can.”



<h2>Is tanking an option for the Chiefs?</h2>



One of the most important elements of a successful rebuild is a strong NFL Draft position. At the moment, the Chiefs hold the 12th overall pick in the upcoming draft, though that spot could improve depending on how the final weeks unfold.



Kansas City still has matchups against the Titans, Broncos, and Raiders to close out the 2025 season. The Chiefs are favored against Tennessee and Las Vegas, while the game against Denver could result in another loss for Andy Reid’s squad.


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This has sparked a legitimate debate: is it worth winning those remaining games? The idea of tanking has entered the conversation, as a few additional losses—combined with results around the league—could allow the Chiefs to move up several spots in the draft order.



Kansas City’s most pressing needs lie on the offensive side of the ball. The team could be in the market for a tight end (depending on Kelce’s decision), a running back, and a reliable wide receiver to support Patrick Mahomes and position the Chiefs for a strong bounce-back season in 2026.

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Travis Kelce receives strong advice from brother Jason about retirement decision

Travis Kelce breaks silence on next step after Chiefs’ elimination from 2025 NFL season - Bolavip US

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Travis Kelce</a> endured a disappointing 2025 NFL season with the Kansas City Chiefs. Now that the team has been eliminated, rumors surrounding the star tight end’s potential retirement have intensified, and his brother <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jason-kelce" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jason</a> has weighed in with advice on the matter.



The idea of retirement has reportedly crossed Travis Kelce’s mind in recent months, but it has gained even more traction following the conclusion of the 2025 season. With uncertainty surrounding his future, his brother Jason—who retired last year—sent him a message for guidance on how to determine whether it is time to step away from football.



“In my opinion, to nail that decision you gotta step away from the game for a little bit,” Jason Kelce said on how to decide if retirement is the best option, via SportsCenter. “Play these last three games, enjoy them with your teammates, enjoy them with your coaches. The team’s going to be different whether you come back or not next year, so enjoy these last three games and then let it sink in.



“It will come to you with time. There’s so many emotions with this game right after a season. Especially with the way this one’s been, it’s been so up and down, they’re 1-7 in one score games. They’ve been close. Right now, it’s too fresh. You gotta step away for a minute, you gotta think about it.”



<h2>Is Travis Kelce retiring after the 2025 NFL season?</h2>



When the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chiefs</a> lost Super Bowl LIX to the Philadelphia Eagles, speculation immediately surfaced about Travis Kelce’s future. Although he did not have his best season, Kelce ultimately chose to return for one more year.



Unfortunately, the 2025 campaign did not go as planned. Kelce struggled to produce at his usual elite level, and the Chiefs as a whole failed to meet expectations. Their early elimination from playoff contention has only added fuel to the retirement rumors surrounding the veteran tight end.


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As of now, Kelce has not publicly announced whether he plans to retire once the 2025 season comes to an end. However, with advice from Jason—who has firsthand experience navigating the difficult decision to retire—Kelce may now have greater clarity about what is often the toughest choice an athlete faces.



<h2>A difficult road ahead for the Chiefs</h2>



Kansas City is officially out of playoff contention with three games remaining, and the outlook for 2026 is far from encouraging. A quick turnaround may prove difficult, and the Chiefs could be facing an even more challenging campaign next season.



Adding to the concern, Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in Week 15, casting serious doubt over the team’s ability to rebound in 2026. If Kelce ultimately decides to retire, it would represent a worst-case scenario for a franchise already dealing with major uncertainty.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift have reportedly set the date and location for their wedding

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Travis Kelce receives strong advice from brother Jason about retirement decision - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce">Travis Kelce</a> and the Kansas City Chiefs experienced all kinds of disappointment in the 2025 NFL season. Following the playoff-elimination loss in Week 15, questions now loom around the star tight end’s future. Many are calling for him to retire, and Hall of Famer Cris Carter is among them.



“He’s done,” Carter said about Kelce during an appearance on the Up and Adams Show with Kay Adams. “I see him performing on stages more so than I do on NFL fields.“



Carter’s comments come just days after Kelce and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs">Chiefs</a> missed the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2014. Although Kelce recorded seven catches for 70 yards against the LA Chargers in Week 15, his performance throughout the year was mostly flat and underwhelming. He managed to make a couple of flashy plays here and there, but the woes essentially overshadowed the highlights.



<h2>Kelce’s lost his flair</h2>



“He has no ability to be able to separate all his savviness and everything,” Carter added. “When you don’t have an elite receiver outside and you don’t have an elite running game, you can’t hide that. When he catches the football, his objective is not to fumble and he can’t make anybody miss anymore.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251216_BUS_546449_travis-kelce-1-2_9639a2f0.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Travis Kelce crestfallen" class="wp-image-546458"></figure><figcaption>Travis Kelce at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.</figcaption></figure>



Though the former Vikings wideout didn’t mince words or sugarcoat his thoughts on Kelce’s performance this season, to an extent his statement can be supported by the evidence. 


 

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Known for his after-the-catch ability, Kelce has regressed tremendously in that area of his game. He appears to be missing a gear, which is only reasonable for a 36-year-old player who has been performing at the highest level since entering the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a>.



<h2>Kelce’s story could come full circle</h2>



If Kelce indeed announces his retirement after the 2025 NFL campaign, he would end things where they started. Kelce and the Chiefs missed the postseason during his rookie year in 2014 and could now miss the playoffs again in the tight end’s final season. 



Needless to say, this coincidence would only highlight the incredible run Kansas City has been on ever since rolling the dice on a rowdy player out of the University of Cincinnati in the 2013 NFL Draft.


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NFL Hall of Famer predicts Travis Kelce’s retirement decision: 'He’s done' - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce">Travis Kelce</a> appeared defeated in the latest episode of his podcast New Heights when talking about the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a> and their recent loss to the Houston Texans, which has left Andy Reid’s team with a 6-7 record.



“It’s been a tough go around for the past days. You put in all this work and hope that it pays off and right now it just, for whatever reason, it’s little things. I don’t know. Discipline. I feel like I’ve always had the answers in years past and this year I just can’t find them.”



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes">Patrick Mahomes</a> and the Chiefs can no longer win the AFC West, so their only path now is to secure a playoff berth as a wild card team. They will need a lot of help to achieve it since they no longer control their destiny.



<h2>Is Travis Kelce retiring?</h2>



Travis Kelce’s statements have hinted that he might not have much left in the tank and might retire, especially given the frustration he showed despite having given everything to produce results, which still haven’t come.


 

 


The legendary tight end cannot understand how in previous years his habits and discipline would deliver results in moments of crisis, but this season, everything is going wrong for the Chiefs. Something that didn’t happen in this dynasty.



“I keep thinking if I show up to work and I put in the work, and I fix the issues through my practice habits and through perfecting the game plan and my fundamentals and what I’m being taught, and go out there and play for my guys next to me, it’s all going to come together like it has in years past and this year is just not. Not to say that I won’t keep doing that. It’s all that I can do. Obviously, looking at the playoffs, this is a tough reality to be in, especially with how we’ve always found a way in past years.”


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Travis Kelce might have given up on Andy Reids' Chiefs after message confirms retirement is looming

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Travis Kelce might have given up on Kansas City Chiefs after message confirms retirement is looming - Bolavip US

Travis Kelce might have given up on Chiefs

It’s clear that the Kansas City Chiefs’ <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> season has been far from what they expected, and the Week 14 loss to the Houston Texans was a perfect reflection of that. The Patrick Mahomes–led offense fell apart, largely due to key drops from players such as Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice.



Despite this particular situation, which could undoubtedly have affected the final outcome of the game, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes">Mahomes</a> has full confidence in his key weapons — the very players who have helped him secure multiple titles since joining the league.



“He’s a champion for a reason,” the quarterback said about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce">Kelce</a>. “He knows what it takes, and he’s made that play 99 percent of the time. And I got to give him a better chance with a ball maybe more on his body. So, I’ll never question that.”



He also made a specific reference to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/rashee-rice">Rice</a>: “I’m gonna go to those guys in big moments. Those guys have made plays in Super Bowls. They’ve made plays in AFC championship games. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251208_BUS_541870_travis-kelce-4_a425f5f7.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Travis Kelce TE Kansas City Chiefs" class="wp-image-541944"></figure><figcaption>Al-Shaair of the Houston Texans intercepts a pass intended for Travis Kelce.</figcaption></figure>



“So, obviously, it didn’t go our way today. I had a lot to do with that myself. And so, regardless of what happens the rest of this season, we’ll give everything we have every snap and give ourselves the best chance to go out there and make a run.”



<h2>Dim night for Kelce and Rice</h2>


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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs">Chiefs</a> suffered a critical loss where their normally reliable receiving corps struggled with ball security at the worst possible moments. Rashee Rice failed to secure a vital fourth-down pass in the final quarter while the team was down by seven points (17-10); this turnover on downs effectively gifted the Texans the necessary field position to extend their lead. 



Compounding the issue, veteran Travis Kelce saw his final drive attempt end prematurely after he dropped back-to-back passes, with the second errant target deflecting off his hands and resulting in a game-sealing interception.

Patrick Mahomes delivers comment for Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice to hear after drops vs Texans

Patrick Mahomes delivers comment for Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice to hear after drops vs Texans - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce">Travis Kelce</a> and Taylor Swift continue to dominate headlines, not only for their individual success but for the cultural frenzy surrounding their relationship. Since going public in 2023, the couple has become a fixture in both sports and entertainment, with every public appearance sparking global attention.



Over the past year, the spotlight has intensified as their engagement turned into one of the most discussed celebrity moments of the season. Fans and media alike have been waiting for the next step, especially as speculation about wedding plans grew louder with each passing month.



Now, the anticipation has finally turned into confirmation. They have reportedly locked in both the date and the location for what is expected to be one of the most high-profile weddings of the decade, setting the tone for an offseason filled with excitement far beyond the football field.



<h2>Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s wedding: Date and location revealed</h2>



The headline moment of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a> star tight end’s upcoming offseason won’t come from the gridiron but from a wedding aisle. According to FOX Sports, “Travis Kelce is set to marry <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a> in the Watch Hill neighborhood of Westerly, Rhode Island, on Saturday, June 13, 2026“.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251208_BUS_541867_Taylor-Swift-and-Travis-Kelce-1_18058acd.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-541901"></figure><figcaption>Taylor Swift celebrates with Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs. (Source: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The ceremony will be held at Ocean House, a Victorian-style luxury hotel the couple has frequented and that perfectly aligns with the tone of an event expected to draw worldwide attention.



The choice of date carries an unmistakable personal touch from Swift. As Harper’s Bazaar noted, “The date, of course, is a nod to the superstar’s lucky number, 13“. The pair, who got engaged in August nearly two years after going public, are planning a celebration that reflects both their history and their high-profile lives.



<h2>What this means for Kelce’s off-field future</h2>



As Kelce prepares for a potentially defining <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> offseason, the balance between his personal milestones and professional uncertainty becomes even more striking. At 36, with three Super Bowl rings and a résumé that guarantees Hall of Fame induction, he will once again face the familiar process of determining whether to continue his career or begin a new chapter.



What is clear is that, away from the field, his life is already shifting into a new phase—one marked by his upcoming marriage and numerous opportunities waiting once he decides to hang up the cleats. For now, the wedding with the singer stands as the one certainty in an offseason filled with possibilities.

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Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift have reportedly set the date and location for their wedding - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kansas City Chiefs</a> are close to being eliminated from the playoffs after a home defeat against the Houston Texans. Still, that’s not the only issue the team might be worried about. After the game, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was brutally honest when talking about tight end Travis Kelce‘s future.



“Every season that I’ve had with him these last few years I try to cherish because you never know,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mahomes</a> said when asked about Kelce’s future. “He got himself in great shape this year and he’s played some great football. He’ll have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season, but I know one thing is he’ll give everything he has the rest of the season to try to give us a chance to make a playoff run.”



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kelce</a> is in his 13th season in the NFL. During the last couple of years, he’s looked out of his prime, and even if this season’s numbers are somewhat better than 2024’s, Kelce has lost explosiveness and ability to always be open. Kelce has 727 yards and five touchdowns this year.



<h2>Something’s off with Kelce</h2>



Every player is bound to have some decline at some point. After all, father time is undefeated. Still, while Kelce’s numbers are bound to surpass last year’s numbers, there are some key moments where Kelce just doesn’t look as sharp as he has been throughout his career. See the clip below as an example.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Kelce cant secure a pass and we end up with ANOTHER Patrick Mahomes interception. <a href="https://t.co/wU2HdlpnnG">pic.twitter.com/wU2HdlpnnG</a>— Aggregate Sports (@AggregateSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/AggregateSports/status/1997884312989860179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



That was Kelce’s bread and butter back in the day, now it costs Mahomes interceptions. Kelce was the most reliable weapon in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a>, and now it’s no longer that way. It stinks, but even Mahomes is trying to wrap his head around the fact that Kelce might not be there in the near future.


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<h2>The Chiefs need a top-tier weapon</h2>



Without Kelce being his prime self, there is a huge issue with the Chiefs roster. There is no clear-cut number one weapon on the team. Wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy are not elite weapons. They are fine players, but they are not real difference-makers and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/houston-texans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texans</a> made sure to made that very visible.



The same goes for the running game, Isiah Pacheco is not the same after his leg fractures, and Kareem Hunt is past his prime too. They are not bad running backs, but nowhere near an elite level. Hence, Mahomes is feeling alone on offense.

Patrick Mahomes makes big admission about Travis Kelce’s future after rough night for Chiefs vs Texans

Patrick Mahomes makes big admission about Travis Kelce's future after rough night for Chiefs vs Texans - Bolavip US

The 2025 NFL season has been anything but kind to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce">Travis Kelce</a> and the 6–6 Kansas City Chiefs. With the organization in Missouri now having its back against the wall, the star tight end sent quarterback Patrick Mahomes, head coach Andy Reid, and the rest of the team a powerful message—one that also served as a warning to the rest of the league.



Though far from being in a comfortable spot in the NFL, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs">Chiefs</a> have their job cut out for them. They either sink or swim. With fives games remaining in the regular season, Kelce and Kansas City can afford no stumbles. Coming into the season, not many expected a team commanded by Mahomes and Reid to be in this position, yet here they are.



However, the story could’ve been much different. If the Chiefs could turn back the hands of the clock in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> campaign, make no mistake—they’d definitely do so. Kelce indicated exactly that. Far from making excuses, though, the veteran tight end delivered a clear statement, warning the league not to sleep on Kansas City.



“I’m sure everyone is sick of us saying it, but we’re a few plays away from being a one seed in my mind,” Kelce confessed, via Sports Illustrated. “All of the losses are within one score, and there’s a handful of plays within those games that are determining the outcome. It’s hard. It’s crazy that you watch the film and you see what’s real, and what’s real is we’re this (expletive) close.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251204_BUS_539271_travis-kelce-1_66f668b8.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Travis Kelce warms up " class="wp-image-539303"></figure><figcaption>Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Chiefs can’t buy their luck</h2>



When going through the Chiefs’ losses in the 2025 NFL season, Kelce’s comments make a lot of sense. Kansas City has fallen just short in several games where the coin could’ve easily landed on its side. It didn’t, and now the Chiefs are fighting for their lives with 5 games left in the schedule.


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In many ways, it seems the tide has turned for the team in the Paris of the Plains. Plays that once went their way are now bouncing in their opponents’ direction. In past seasons, the Chiefs walked away with nail-biting victories, often prevailing after chaotic endings. This time around, the Chiefs are 1–6 in one-possession games.



Kelce’s comments have plenty of evidence behind them. Still, they don’t tell the whole story. Everyone on the team knows many things could’ve been done differently, and though it’s easy to point the finger at the bounce of the football, the Chiefs hold their own share of responsibility for the 6–6 record that has their Super Bowl hopes hanging by a thread.



<h2>What’s next for the Chiefs?</h2>



However, Kelce and the Chiefs know better than to cry over spilled milk. What’s done is done. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes">Mahomes</a> may be capable of making any throw in football, but he can’t go back and change the past. 



Kansas City must simply move on and focus on what lies ahead. For starters: a Week 14 matchup with the Houston Texans on Sunday night. Back home at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/andy-reid">Reid</a> and the Chiefs must deliver a statement victory as they go up against the No. 1 defense in the NFL.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6931f1dee2d53b59fb2f044b" data-title="Who will win the AFC West?" data-options="3"></div>

Chiefs star TE Travis Kelce puts NFL on notice with blunt statement

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Travis Kelce warns rest of the NFL about 6-6 Chiefs with bold message for Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid - Bolavip US

Kelce warns rest of the NFL about 6-6 Chiefs with bold message

Travis Kelce warns rest of the NFL about 6-6 Chiefs with bold message for Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/without-chiefs-cowboys-and-steelers-current-nfl-playoff-picture-before-week-14">Kansas City Chiefs find themselves out of the NFL playoff picture before Week 14</a>. Head coach Andy Reid, therefore, made sure to motivate Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the rest of his players as the team enters a critical stretch of the season.



“Let’s go. You’re in the month of December and you’re still in it, so let’s go. That’s what important,” was <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/andy-reid">Reid</a>‘s message to the Chiefs during his Wednesday press conference, as quoted by Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports.



Coming off a painful loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs">Chiefs</a> sit 10th in the AFC standings—three places shy of the 7th seed (currently held by the 8-4 Buffalo Bills), which grants the final Wild Card spot.



<h2>Can the Chiefs still make the 2026 NFL playoffs?</h2>



While the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/are-the-chiefs-eliminated-from-nfl-playoffs-after-loss-to-cowboys">loss to the Cowboys hasn’t eliminated the Chiefs from the 2026 NFL playoffs</a>, it left Reid’s team in a precarious position. According to <a href="https://www.nfl.com/standings/playoff-picture">NFL Next Gen Stats</a>, Kansas City currently has a 34% chance of making the postseason.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251203_BUS_538570_Kelce-Mahomes_b6742d98.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes before a game" class="wp-image-103353" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes speak before a game against the Chargers.</figcaption></figure>



At 6-6, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes">Mahomes</a> and company have no margin for error. They now enter a crucial run in their playoff push, starting with a Sunday Night Football showdown against the Houston Texans, currently 8th in the AFC (7-5). A win would increase the Chiefs’ playoff probability to 58%, while a loss would reduce their chances to 11%.


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The Chiefs’ schedule also includes must-win games against division rivals Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) and Denver Broncos (10-2) to try and climb from third place in the AFC West. While any setback could prove costly, their leader has shown nothing but optimism.



Before his encouraging message for Mahomes, Kelce and company on Wednesday, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/andy-reid-issues-strong-warning-to-texans-chargers-and-broncos-as-chiefs-face-crucial-stretch">Reid put the Texans, Chargers, and Broncos on notice, warning</a> everyone that the Chiefs are capable of winning all five remaining games.



<h2>Have the Chiefs ever missed the playoffs with Reid, Kelce, and Mahomes?</h2>



The Chiefs missed the playoffs just once with Reid and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce">Kelce</a>: that occurred in 2014, when both were in their second year in Kansas City. Mahomes, on the other hand, has always made the postseason so far.



In fact, since Mahomes took over as the starting quarterback in 2018, the Chiefs have constantly reached at least the AFC Championship Game, with five trips to the Super Bowls—winning three of them.



The 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> season is therefore changing the outlook for a team that got used to succeeding in recent years. For instance, the Chiefs have dominated the AFC West with consecutive division titles since 2016. That supremacy appears to be at risk this year.

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NFL News: Andy Reid sends wake-up call to Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chiefs ahead of critical run - Bolavip US

Andy Reid sends wake-up call to Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chiefs

NFL News: Andy Reid sends wake-up call to Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chiefs ahead of critical run

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce">Travis Kelce</a> is trying to keep the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a> alive during the 2025 season, but to his surprise, after several weeks, he was faced with a question about his possible retirement and when that decision would come.



“I think, you know, seeing my brother go through it and just how the league works, the season kind of restarts in April. I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not, or whether they want me back or not. It’s one of those things where I’d like to make that decision before they’ve got to get draft picks and free agency opens so that it gives them an opportunity to go out there and fill the roster appropriately. So, all that will be at the end of the season. I won’t be thinking about it until then.”



Many were hoping Kelce would have a dream send-off, going out on top by winning another <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> alongside <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes">Patrick Mahomes</a>, but, with a 5-5 record, the Chiefs are out of the playoff picture, and it’s almost impossible for them to catch the Denver Broncos in the fight for the AFC West.



<h2>Is Travis Kelce retiring?</h2>



No. Travis Kelce is not retiring from football yet. The legendary tight end is in the final year of his contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, so, out of respect for the team, he wants to make a decision before the free agency period begins.


 

 


In a very interesting detail, Kelce acknowledged that if he returns for the 2026 season, announcing it as his last, he would not want it to be some kind of farewell tour. “That’s not me. I’ll like to take it day by day, year by year, and just evaluate it like that.”



It’s important to remember that Travis Kelce got engaged to Taylor Swift a few months ago, and that could influence whether he retires from football to focus entirely on his personal life and other projects, such as the podcast New Heights with his brother Jason.


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Travis Kelce confirms retirement decision timeline with Kansas City Chiefs

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Travis Kelce confirms retirement decision timeline with Chiefs - Bolavip US

Travis Kelce confirms timeline for retirement decision with Andy Reid's Chiefs

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kansas City Chiefs</a> finally have a true AFC West challenger in the Denver Broncos. Amid the team’s surprising 5–5 start, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Travis Kelce</a> has issued a stern warning to their rivals — and the rest of the NFL — about what’s coming.



This 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> season has been far from ideal for Kansas City. Their record raises serious questions about their playoff chances, but star tight end Travis Kelce insists the Chiefs still have everything they need to turn the season around.



“It’s even more frustrating knowing the kind of guys we have, knowing the kind of talent that we have, the type of coaches that we have,” Kelce told his brother Jason on the New Heights podcast. “It’s about time we put it together. We’ve seen what this train looks like when we’re rocking and rolling.”



<h2>Can the Chiefs really turn things around?</h2>



Kelce is confident, but the schedule won’t make things easy. Kansas City has only seven games left to secure a playoff berth, and the road ahead is anything but simple.



The Chiefs still have matchups against sub-.500 teams — Texans, Cowboys, Titans, and Raiders — but they also face legitimate contenders like the Colts, Chargers, and the surging <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-broncos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broncos</a>.



Among the first group, Dallas appears to be the toughest test with its explosive offense. The Titans and Raiders shouldn’t present major problems for Patrick Mahomes’ squad, while the Texans could be dangerous again if CJ Stroud returns by then.


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But the immediate challenge is Week 12 against the Colts — a game that could define Kansas City’s season. According to data from @mrcaseb, a loss to Indianapolis would drop the Chiefs’ playoff chances to 35%, while a win would raise them to 68%.



Kansas City must beat the Colts to keep their postseason hopes alive. However, even with a win, they no longer control their destiny the way they once did during their dominant years — and now must hope other results go their way.


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Travis Kelce sends strong message to Broncos amid Chiefs’ shocking 5-5 start

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Travis Kelce sends strong message to Broncos amid Chiefs’ shocking 5-5 start - Bolavip US

The AFC West features two teams battling neck-and-neck for first place, while another is slightly trailing behind. The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers have pulled ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs, which is why <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes">Patrick Mahomes</a>, Travis Kelce, and their teammates will be looking to turn the tables in the near future.



The Chiefs’ quarterback and star player knows they can’t afford to fall further behind, especially at this stage of the season. He has urged <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce">Kelce</a> and the rest of his teammates to elevate their level of play if they want to keep their hopes of winning the division alive.



“That’s always our first goal… Win the division… You have to go up against these really good football teams that have been scouting you all year long… We’ve got to continue to get better and better… Everything is out in front of us, we just have to go out there with the right mindset,” Mahomes said via Charles Goldman. 



Entering the second half of the regular season, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/andy-reid">Andy Reid</a>’s team sits in third place with five wins and four losses. Another setback could effectively end their hopes of reclaiming the top spot in the division.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251112_BUS_525550_kansas-city-chiefs-1_00847aeb.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Kansas City Chiefs" class="wp-image-525573"></figure><figcaption>Kareem Hunt #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs is congratulated by Travis Kelce.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Key showdown on Sunday</h2>



The struggling <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a> have a prime opportunity this Sunday to claw their way back into the AFC West race as they head to Denver to face the rival Broncos. While the Chiefs have sputtered recently, a road victory over the Broncos is paramount to reversing their fortunes and preventing the division lead from slipping away completely.


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For Andy Reid’s squad, this isn’t just a divisional game; it’s a critical chance to secure a vital win, reset the narrative, and gain crucial ground before the playoff picture solidifies. Their season trajectory hinges on capitalizing on this matchup.



<h2>What’s next for the Chiefs?</h2>



The Kansas City Chiefs are staring down a daunting three-game stretch that will determine their fate in the AFC West. Following their critical road trip this Sunday against the rival Denver Broncos, the Chiefs return home to face the surging Indianapolis Colts before immediately heading back on the road for a high-stakes showdown with the powerful Dallas Cowboys. 



This brutal sequence of opponents offers the Chiefs a chance to not only stack wins but also re-establish their dominance. Navigating this gauntlet successfully is absolutely essential if Kansas City hopes to maintain their grip on the division and remain viable contenders.

Patrick Mahomes drops reminder to Travis Kelce, teammates as Chiefs risk losing AFC West to Broncos or Chargers - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce">Travis Kelce</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a> need Josh Simmons back on the offensive line to help protect <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes">Patrick Mahomes</a>. This was the tight end’s reaction in his New Heights podcast to the possibility of the rookie returning for the game against the Denver Broncos. “Let’s get my guy back in the building, man. I miss my guy.”



A report from Jordan Schultz confirmed that Simmons has returned from California, and with the Chiefs having a bye week, the player could be key for making a deep playoff push toward the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>.



“Sources: Chiefs rookie LT Josh Simmons has returned to the team facility after missing the last four games to tend to a personal family matter. Simmons started the first five games of the season and was outstanding. His return is a huge boost for Kansas City.”



<h2>Why did Chiefs lose against Bills?</h2>



One of the reasons the Chiefs lost was injuries and absences on the offensive line. This caused Patrick Mahomes to have one of the worst games of his career in terms of completion percentage. Because of this, Kelce praised the fans’ energy at Highmark Stadium.


 

 


“This one was a tough one. Going up to Buffalo is not an easy thing. That stadium was rocking. That place was electric. Shout out to all the Bills Mafia. I love it. It’s a sacred place to play a football game. I cherish every game that I get an opportunity to go up there, but, it sucks when you don’t come away with a victory out there.”



By the way, his brother Jason can’t understand why the Chiefs didn’t use the Tush Push on the final plays of the first half when they were on the 1-yard line and settled for a field goal. Travis didn’t agree with using it either, but he did admit that passing the ball wasn’t the best choice.


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“Yeah, or we just you know, strike with low leverage, head in hands, run the feet and give the ball to Kareem Hunt who’s one of the best right now at short yardage situations.”

Travis Kelce and Kansas City Chiefs expect return of Patrick Mahomes' key teammate for game against Broncos

Travis Kelce and Chiefs expect return of Patrick Mahomes' key teammate for game against Broncos - Bolavip US

Travis Kelce and Chiefs expect return of Patrick Mahomes' key teammate to face Broncos

NFL News: Travis Kelce and Chiefs expect return of Patrick Mahomes’ key teammate for game against Broncos

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce">Travis Kelce</a> is aware that, with a 5-4 record after a loss against the Buffalo Bills, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a> have fallen behind in the race for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.



That’s why, during his New Heights podcast, the tight end made it clear that they can’t think long-term when they’re currently the No. 8 seed in the AFC, outside the playoff picture.



“At this point, it’s got to be one week at a time. You can’t be thinking about trying to get home field this, home field that. Obviously, you set goals out in the beginning of the season to win the division, win the conference, get that home field advantage, make everyone have to come through Arrowhead, but, right now, it’s just not that.”



<h2>Are Chiefs out of the playoffs?</h2>



Yes, the Chiefs are currently out of the playoffs. Their first objective is undoubtedly to catch up with the Denver Broncos, who lead the AFC West. The gap between them is two games, but they haven’t faced each other this season.


 

 


As a consequence of that scenario, Kelce doesn’t have the No. 1 seed on his mind. On the contrary, all the focus is on the blockbuster Week 11 game against the Broncos on the road, where a loss could leave them with no chance to fight for the division.



“I’m not thinking about that (home-field advantage). I’m thinking about how are we going to beat the Denver Broncos. That’s going to be on my mind for the next two weeks.”


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Travis Kelce slams Chiefs' home-field advantage talk before game against Broncos - Bolavip US

Travis Kelce slams Chiefs' home-field advantage talk

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce">Travis Kelce</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a> have had a tough start to the 2025 season with a 5-4 record. During the latest episode of his New Heights podcast, the legendary tight end admitted that the team didn’t show its best version against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills</a>, saying this needs to be an immediate wake-up call.



“I can’t say that I’m not frustrated. More from the entire start of the season than just this Bills’ game. I mean, there’s games that I don’t think we had any business losing. I feel like we didn’t come out with our best punch against Buffalo. We got to find a way to clean all that up. We got to get back to playing passionate Chiefs’ football. Dying for each other out there on the field. Whatever that takes during the week to get yourself ready on Sundays.”



Many experts still believe the Chiefs are the team to beat on the road to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>, but the reality is that, at the moment, they’re not even in playoff position, sitting as the 8th seed in the AFC despite <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes">Patrick Mahomes</a> playing at an MVP level.



<h2>Why did Chiefs lose to Bills?</h2>



The Chiefs lost to the Bills for many reasons. Perhaps the most important was Buffalo’s splendid pass rush, which caused Patrick Mahomes to have the worst game of his career in terms of completion percentage.


 

 


It’s also a fact that the offensive line was depleted, with three absences due to injuries and Josh Simmons’ personal issue. That’s why Kelce is confident the bye week comes at a good time.



“I feel good about it because I know the characters that we have in the room. I know the guys that we have there and we’re going to come back recharged and ready to rock and roll.”


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<h2>Is Travis Kelce having a good year?</h2>



Travis Kelce is having a good year, leading all tight ends in the NFL with 540 yards. The star also pointed out that a key factor will be how the team responds during short weeks, considering the Chiefs will have several primetime games the rest of the way.



“Even on a short week, it doesn’t matter. No excuses. We got a few games ahead of us where we’re going to have short weeks. I think there’s a stint around Christmas where we have like back to back short weeks.”

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Travis Kelce is frustrated with Chiefs after a poor start in 2025 season

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