Patrick Mahomes Sets High Expectations for Travis Kelce in the Playoffs

Patrick Mahomes has all eyes on the prize — and Travis Kelce — as the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for the playoffs.

Mahomes, 29, said during a Tuesday, January 14, press conference that he has big hopes for Kelce, 35, when the Chiefs play against the Houston Texans on Saturday, January 18.

“I think the greats step up in the playoffs,” the quarterback said. “It’s just higher intensity and the best players and the best leaders step up and make the best plays. He’s done that and so I expect the same from him going into this playoffs.”

Mahomes noted that the tight end’s mentality when he steps onto the football field “resonates with the entire team” and “gets everybody to play their best football.” Mahomes added, “And that’s what it takes in order to win championships.”

Kelce rested during Week 18 when the Chiefs faced off against the Denver Broncos, listed as inactive alongside other starters for the January 5 game. The team had already secured home field advantage and a first round bye in the NFL playoffs.

The Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC on December 25, 2024, after winning against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“I thought it was a full-team performance. Defense stepped up, offense stepped up [and] everyone had their imprint on the game,” Mahomes told reporters after the game. “I told my pregnant wife [Brittany Mahomes] I was going to get the No. 1 seed, so we can have the baby.” (The couple, who wed in 2022, welcomed daughter Golden Ray on January 12. They also share daughter Sterling, 3, and son Bronze, 2.)

When speaking with reporters on January 1, head coach Andy Reid said he wasn’t “worried” about benching the starters.

“I’ve been through that before, so I’m not worried about all that,” Reid, 66, explained at the time. “It gives the other guys an opportunity here to grow and you can use everybody.”

Reid added the “primary thing is to make sure that we stay sharp in all areas through this game and for the upcoming weeks.”

“We want to stay sharp mentally and physically and then that’s our responsibility to do that and how we manage the time,” he said. “I make sure I do that practice-wise and the guys go out, players and coaches, and work on that.”

The Chiefs are set to take on the Houston Texans on Saturday, January 18.