Travis Kelce Seeks Two Major NFL Records in Week 1, Patrick Mahomes' Return Key

Travis Kelce is on the cusp of two major NFL records in Week 1, with the tight end needing just 45 yards to move into second place all-time among tight ends and 88 yards to enter the top 20 receiving leaders in NFL history.

What happened?

Travis Kelce enters the 2026 season with a strong chance of breaking two major NFL records in Week 1. The tight end has already built an impressive career, with 1,080 catches for 13,002 yards and 82 touchdowns in 192 regular-season games. He's been just as productive in the playoffs, adding 178 receptions for 2,078 yards and 20 touchdowns in 25 postseason games.

Why it matters for Travis Kelce

Kelce's pursuit of these records is significant, as it would add another milestone to a career that already includes 11 Pro Bowl selections, four First-Team All-Pro honors, three Second-Team All-Pro selections, three Super Bowl championships, and multiple postseason receiving records. Moving into second place among tight ends would be a notable achievement, and entering the top 20 receiving leaders in NFL history would solidify his position as one of the greatest tight ends in league history.

What comes next?

The Kansas City Chiefs will face the Denver Broncos on "Monday Night Football" in Week 1, and Kelce's performance will be crucial to the team's success. If he is healthy and active, he could reach the 45-yard mark needed to move into second place among tight ends in a single game. The Chiefs' outlook changes dramatically depending on the availability of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is expected to return from injury in Week 1.

The Chiefs finished 6-8 in games Mahomes started last season, and his return will be a significant boost to the team's offense. Mahomes has been working tirelessly to recover from his ACL and LCL tears, and the Chiefs remain optimistic about his chances of being on the field in Week 1.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport recently provided an update on Mahomes' recovery, stating that the quarterback is "on track to be on the field Week 1." The Chiefs' outlook changes dramatically depending on Mahomes' availability, and his return will be crucial to Kelce's pursuit of these records.

Travis Kelce's climb is not limited to tight ends, as his 13,002 receiving yards currently rank 23rd among all pass catchers in NFL history. Steve Largent currently occupies the No. 20 spot with 13,089 receiving yards, meaning Kelce needs just 88 more yards to move into the top 20. Several players remain closely grouped around that mark, including Mike Evans, who enters the season with 13,052 receiving yards after signing with the San Francisco 49ers this offseason.

If Kelce reaches his usual production level during the opening weeks, he is expected to pass several names in quick succession. A return to the 1,000-yard plateau for the first time since 2022 would push him well inside the top 15 and bring the top 10 into view before the season concludes.

The stage is set for a thrilling Week 1 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos, with Travis Kelce's pursuit of two major NFL records at the forefront of the action.