KC Chiefs: Three reasons why Travis Kelce deserves to win Offensive Player of the Year

Travis Kelce of the KC Chiefs is the best tight end in football. He’s so good, in fact, that he deserves to be this year’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Over the last seven seasons, there has not been a tight end across the league that has consistently played as well as Travis Kelce. Some will argue that Rob Gronkowski has been better or in recent seasons that it’s been George Kittle.

Neither of those guys has contributed to the overall success of their teams like Kelce has for the Kansas City Chiefs, and that’s likely even more true this season. So, let’s take a look at why that’s the case and why Kelce deserves to be recognized in a big way at season’s end.

1. Tops of the League

Travis Kelce currently sits in second place in receiving yards. That may not seem that impressive, except for the fact that that list includes wide receivers and isn’t just made up of tight ends. To sit near the top of the league in receiving yards amongst all receivers for a tight end is an impressive feat. If he continues to perform at such a high level, it’s not out of the question for him to end the season on the top of that list.

It would be a remarkable feat for a tight end to finish first in receiving yards. Not even Tony Gonzalez, the one who holds the tight end record for all-time receiving yards, was able to accomplish that. Kelce isn’t just racking up yards either. He’s crossed the goal line eight times, which puts him tied for sixth place amongst all receivers.

The most touchdowns that he’s ever had in a season was 10, so he’s well on his way to break his personal best. He likely won’t reach Gronkowski’s record of 17 touchdowns in a season, but 12 wouldn’t be out of the question.

The combination of that many touchdowns and the yards he’s accumulating would place him within the greatest tight end seasons in league history. His game-sealing touchdown catch against the Raiders in Week 11 was likely his most important score of the season, which was seen by all in primetime.

One thing that makes what Kelce is doing even more impressive is the other weapons on the Chiefs’ roster. Patrick Mahomes is also throwing to guys like Mecole Hardman, Sammy Watkins, and Tyreek Hill, who is near the top of the league in most receiving categories as well.

For Kelce to still be leading that pack is really saying something. Hopefully, that’ll be one of the lenses he’ll be viewed through while being considered for the OPOY award.