3 Chiefs on Thin Ice After Narrow Win vs. Falcons

2. Travis Kelce - TE

It's not time to panic about Travis Kelce quite yet, though the warning signs are growing concerning. He has only eight catches for 69 yards on the season, looking noticeably slower and stiff relative to years past. That's to be expected given his age, yet it's worrying nonetheless.

Kelce proved in last year's playoffs that he's still capable of taking over a game. He was the single best weapon for any team in that four-game stretch, so perhaps Kelce is just saving himself for bigger moments. Mahomes told reporters that defenses are blanketing Kelce and making it difficult to create separation, though at some point opponents will turn their collective attention to Rashee Rice instead.

Once that happens, can Kelce take advantage of soft spots in coverage?

He's been used more as a blocker thus far, proving he's still a physical force and brilliant football player. Things will get tougher as defensive coordinators commit to stopping Rice, and the offense's ceiling will largely hinge on how Kelce responds.

The greatest tight end to ever walk the planet typically finds a way to produce. Chiefs Kingdom should have plenty of faith in Kelce to figure it out, yet it's been jarring nonetheless to see him effectively eliminated each week.