"It's obviously f*cked up": Travis Kelce opens up about mentality heading into last 3 weeks after being eliminated from playoff picture 

Travis Kelce's Kansas City Chiefs bowed out of the playoff race following a heartbreaking 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Andy Reid's men fell to a 6-8 record and will miss the postseason for the first time since 2014.

The Chiefs' tight end, who will miss the playoffs for only the second time in his career, shared his mentality entering the final stretch following their elimination during Wednesday's episode of the "New Heights" podcast.

"It's kind of unfamiliar territory at this point for a lot of guys in the building, the guys that have been there, and I'm the only one that's been on the team long enough to see us not make the playoffs, or to play a game," Kelce said. "It's obviously f*cked up, but it's a new feeling. So all I'd know is to go out there and play my a*s off and, and to show up and give my guys the best chance to win and I think that's the mentality."

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Travis Kelce logged seven receptions for 70 yards (fourth-best this season) against the Chargers, but failed to reach the end zone. The 10-time Pro Bowler refused an interview for the second straight game.

Since Patrick Mahomes took over as the starter in 2018, the Chiefs have never finished a season without an AFC West title. The Chiefs had the opportunity to save the season by scoring a field goal to force overtime. But Minshew Gardner, who replaced Mahomes after the two-time NFL MVP suffered a season-ending ACL tear, threw an interception.

The Chiefs travel to Tennessee to face rookie Cam Ward and Co. on Sunday before hosting division leaders, the Denver Broncos, on Thursday Night Football. They will finish the season on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders on January 4.

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Has Travis Kelce played his final postseason game?

Travis Kelce’s year has been very inconsistent, mirroring the Chiefs’ up-and-down campaign. In the 2024 season, he finished with 823 receiving yards and three touchdowns while helping Kansas City reach Super Bowl LIX, where they ultimately fell to the Philadelphia Eagles.

His production has dipped even further, as he has totaled 797 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 14 games. His two-year contract extension is set to expire after the 2025 season. Given his disappointing play, there are doubts about whether Kansas City will offer him another deal.

Kelce would aim to delight his fans with his performance when he takes the field at Nissan Stadium on Sunday.

Edited by nagpaltusharn25