The Kansas City Chiefs are 3-0 and have defeated two of the AFC's projected top contenders in the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals along the way in this early season.
Despite winning each of their first three contests, and facing a depleted Chargers team in Week 4, there is something very blatantly missing from Kansas City's offense - Travis Kelce.
The Hall of Fame tight end only has eight catches through three games, including just one catch in their Week 2 win over Cincinnati. He is currently on pace for just 45 catches, which would far-and-away be his career low since becoming a full-time starter in 2014 (he appeared in just one game in 2013). Kelce's current career-low in receptions is 67.
Despite his struggles, the Chiefs haven't struggled offensively. They may not look like "The Chiefs," but they are still one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL. They are currently second in success rate, ninth in EPA per play, and sixth in EPA per rush. Patrick Mahomes may not look like his usual out-of-this-world-self, but he is still top 10 in EPA, adjusted EPA, and success rate.
Meanwhile, Rashee Rice has taken a massive step forward and emerged as the top target in the offense with 24 catches and two scores through three games.
It feels like we played the whole "The Chiefs are falling off" game last year, and we all know how that ended. I'm not going to worry about the Chiefs in September, or October and November for that matter. They've shown this innate ability to flip a switch as the postseason begins. And while Kelce may not look like his future Hall of Fame self, the Chiefs are the Chiefs until proven otherwise.
