Talk is starting to swirl around Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and his plans after his playing career is over, especially after his girlfriend Taylor Swift just ended her world tour.
Many are starting to think that win or lose this upcoming weekend, this could be it for Kelce and that he may retire.
He has hinted these past few weeks that might be the case.
Taylor Swift Supports Whatever Travis Kelce’s Decision Is
Despite possible rumors of retirement, Kelce at least seems at the moment that he wants to play — and Swift supports that decision.
“She’s fully encouraging me to enjoy playing this game. She loves coming to Arrowhead and coming to the games and cheering for me so I got all the support in the world to keep chasing these dreams.”
Kelce opened up more about his relationship with Swift Wednesday on “The Stephen A. Smith Show.”
“I’m enjoying all aspects of life. Me and Taylor are happy,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier to have that confidence and that comfort off the field and all the support I could ever ask for in the stadium.”
Kelce continued to gush about how having Swift by his side has made their relationship stronger.
“I think personally, that’s the beauty of being in a very strong relationship is that you get that support to be able to come in and focus on your craft, focus on being the best version of you,” Kelce said. “That’s why I wanted to be at the concert, supporting her and being there for her, making sure she feels comfortable and supported in everything she’s doing in life.”
During the offseason, Kelce was on tour with Swift, even performing on stage with her at times.
“I think I’m as focused as I’ve ever been on my job and being the best player that I could possibly be week in and week out for this team,” Kelce said. “It’s because I don’t have to worry about things off the field.”
Kelce also mentioned in an interview he did earlier this week on “The Pat McAfee Show” other ways he has supported his girlfriend during her creative process.
“Oh, yeah. You know it,” Kelce said, adding that he’ll “never chime in” during Swift’s creative process. “But I’m here to support it,” he said. “I’m here to see where it can go.”
Kelce also hinted in that interview that Swift may be coming out with new music soon. Although their relationship has been on public display, unlike some couples in the spotlight, they have managed to survive and thrive.
Chiefs vs. Bills Game Preview
- Location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kanas City
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Streaming: CBS/Paramount+
For now, Kelce is trying to lead the Chiefs past the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game.
In the Super Bowl era, the Bills and Chiefs are the fifth pair of teams to face each other in the playoffs four times within a five-season span. The Chiefs could become the first team to play in the Super Bowl while seeking a Super Bowl three-peat.
The Bills lead the league in turnover margin this season, including the playoffs, at +27. Buffalo has maintained an even or positive turnover margin in 21 consecutive games dating back to last season, tying the 1952-53 Rams for the longest streak since turnovers became an official stat in 1933.
On the other side, the Chiefs have gone eight straight games without a turnover, the longest streak since turnovers became an official stat in 1933.
Josh Allen is one of the league’s best quarterbacks against the blitz. Including the playoffs, he averages the second-highest EPA(Expected Points Added) per dropback (0.30) when blitzed, with 16 passing touchdowns and just two interceptions.
However, the Chiefs excel at blitzing effectively. Including the playoffs, Kansas City blitzes at the ninth-highest rate in the league (30%) and ranks 10th in pressure rate (44%) when sending extra rushers.
The Bills have been one of the league’s best defenses on early downs this season, ranking fifth in EPA per play (0.08) on first and second down. However, their performance drops significantly on third down, where they rank 31st in EPA per play (-0.26) and have allowed the fifth-highest third-down conversion rate (44%).
That’s an ominous sign against a Chiefs offense that thrives on third downs. Kansas City ranks fourth in third down conversion rate (47.9%) and fourth in EPA per play (0.22) on third down. Conversely, they only rank 15th in EPA per play on first and second down (-0.02).
In two playoff games against the Chiefs, Allen has posted QB+ scores of 86.6 (B) in 2021 and 74.8 (C) in 2023. Meanwhile, Mahomes has earned QB+ scores of 86.9 (B) in 2021 and 79.0 (C+) in 2023 in two postseason games against the Bills.
Many fans (and Houston Texans players) were frustrated with the officiating in Kansas City’s Divisional Round win. Since 2018, the Chiefs have received nine roughing-the-passer calls in the playoffs (including the Will Anderson Jr. call on Saturday), while the rest of the NFL combined has totaled 18 such calls, with no other team receiving more than two.
Kansas City has now made seven consecutive Conference Championship appearances — only the New England Patriots had more in a row (eight from 2011-18) in NFL history.
PFN’s Playoff Predictor gives the Bills a 50.7% chance of winning this game while the Chiefs have 49.3% odds, showing just how close this game should be.
