Raiders Face Chiefs Star TE Travis Kelce

The Las Vegas Raiders will have to slow down Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce, who has become a star on and off the field.

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to host their rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, for the first time this season at Allegiant Stadium in  Las Vegas.

The Raiders have not had much success against the Chiefs recently, losing nine of the last 10 games against them. 

But this is a different Raiders team playing much better ball. Interim Coach Antonio Pierce has instilled a new, hard-nosed culture in the squad that was not there before. Pierce will most certainly have his players prepared for this game, as they are well aware of the stakes.

The Chiefs are still the Chiefs, however, led by an excellent coach, Andy Reid, and one of the best quarterbacks the game has ever seen, Patrick Mahomes. 

There also is star tight end Travis Kelce, who has played well yet again this season but is also making headlines away from football.

Kelce is arguably the best tight end in football and has continued to play like it. This season, Kelce has 64 receptions for 641 yards and five touchdowns. He ranks third among all tight ends in receiving yards and second in receptions.

The Las Vegas Raiders will again be tasked with slowing down star Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce / Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Kelce, an eight-time Pro Bowler and four-time First-Team All-Pro is the main focus of the Chiefs’ passing attack. He has a massive frame at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, but moves like a wide receiver. He has a rare ability to create separation as a tight end.

According to Pro Football Focus, Kelce lines up most often in the slot but has lined up in line and out wide. Many teams struggle to defend him because of all the areas he can line up in and how much of a match-up advantage he has over any defender.

Kelce has dominated the Raiders throughout his career, having caught 100 passes for 1,289 yards and 11 touchdowns in 18 games. The Raiders will look to change those fortunes on Sunday.

Whether he makes headlines for dating pop megastar Taylor Swift, or for his on-field skills, there’s no denying that Kelce is one of the top stars in the NFL. He is one of the most impactful offensive players in the league and defensive coordinators spend weeks dedicating resources to slowing him down.

The Raiders will need to do the same to defeat the Chiefs. They have athletic linebackers who are playing well this season and will need to utilize them. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham has put together great game plans this season and will need to do it again against one of the league’s best players. 

The Silver and Black will return home this week to celebrate Thanksgiving and take on their AFC West rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Sunday, November 26, at 4:25 p.m. EST/1:25 p.m. PST.

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