Predicting the biggest changes in Chiefs player ratings in Madden ’21

Travis Kelce – 98 OVR

Travis Kelce is the best tight end in the league, and has been for a several seasons now. Unfortunately for him, during the same time, the second best tight end in the league was a part of a more popular franchise like the Patriots or 49ers. But when it comes to pure talent and stats, Travis Kelce is unquestionably the best player at the position.

In the 2019 regular season, Kelce grabbed 97 passes for 1,229 yards and 5 trips to the end zone (he also had a rushing touchdown). This might be down from the previous year, but what elevates him higher is his demonstration of clutch performances in tight games and throughout the postseason. The catch and toss play in Week 4’s tight matchup with the Detroit Lions, his sideline effort against the Chargers in Mexico City, his three first quarter touchdowns against the Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs, and his touchdown that gave the Chiefs the lead in the Super Bowl all illustrate this point.

Kelce’s connection with Patrick Mahomes is almost palpable and it is on display anytime the offense hits the field. His ability to grab the ball out of the air from anywhere on the field, his strength to grab passes while heavily contested, his criminally nasty double moves, and his deceptively strong legs make him one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL.

I would like to say Kelce may get an X-Factor in 2021, but Madden 20 kept each team to only 3 X-Factor players, and I doubt they will change that much in for Madden 21. Between Mahomes, Mathieu, and another player discussed later in this piece, there is not space for Kelce on the X-Factor list. But a slight bump in his overall rating makes sense as Kelce continues to set records and solidify himself in record books—both for the team and the league.