Keeping Kelce in front
Even at 36 years old in his 13th NFL season, Travis Kelce remains Mahomes' most reliable weapon.
He leads the Chiefs in receiving yards (321) and ranks second on the team in receptions (28) and receiving touchdowns (two). Heading into this matchup, he has the most career catches (128) and yards receiving (1,582) of any player against the Raiders. And with one more touchdown, he'll tie Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates for the most against the Raiders with 13.
'He's going to have a gold jacket, obviously," Graham said of Kelce. "So savvy, and then with all the experience he has, he's seen all the different types of ways people try to cover him. You try to him with a defensive end, you try to pop out to him, you try to match a safety on him, you put a corner on him. He's seen everything, and then on top of that, the skill level. I mean, he's a skilled football player. Everyone wants to talk how smart and savvy he is, but he's skilled. I mean, this guy, he catches everything."
While still a security blanket for Mahomes, Kelce is averaging 4.8 air yards per target, his fewest since 2016. The Chiefs have lined up in 12 personnel on over 33 percent of their snaps, the sixth-highest of any team this season with Noah Gray also feeding into the offense.
On the flip side, the Raiders defense has allowed the ninth-fewest receptions to tight ends this season.