You could argue that despite the Chiefs‘ perfect start to the 2024 NFL season, Kansas City has played at a level that suggests its 3-0 record is perhaps undeserved. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been brutally honest when assessing his performances to this point in the season, and star tight end Travis Kelce saw his struggles continue even in a 22-17 win over the Falcons on Sunday night.

Kelce had another modest night in Atlanta, and the star of the show was a receiver many are beginning to call Mahomes‘ “new favorite”. As the Chiefs continue to win without receiving significant contributions from the NFL’s highest-paid tight end, an uncomfortable conversation in whispered tones about Kelce’s role in the offense is starting to take place.

Kelce stock down, Rice stock soars

While the Chiefs’ defense made huge plays in the second half of Sunday’s game and stonewalled the Falcons on a key fourth-and-inches in the final minute, running back Carson Steele and receiver Rashee Rice kept the Kansas City offense afloat despite another Kelce “off night”.

In another display of the Chiefs’ enviable depth, Steele rushed 17 times for 72 yards in starter Isiah Pacheco‘s absence. Rice though had arguably the best display of his young career; he hauled in 12 passes for 110 yards and scored a second quarter touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.

After an offseason of controversy and pending litigation over his actions during a hit-and-run in March, Rice stepped up when the Chiefs needed him, ensuring Kansas City would take advantage of the 2-0 Los Angeles Chargers‘ loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier on Sunday. But perhaps more vital to the Chiefs’ future is Rice’s emergence as one of the NFL’s best young receivers, and someone Mahomes can trust when Kelce is being blanketed.

Kansas City’s scouting and strength in depth have allowed the Chiefs to maintain a perfect record so far, even though Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid have been honest about the somewhat-deceptive nature of that record. Still, 3-0 is 3-0, whether Kelce has played a large part in it or not. Only time will tell as to whether the 34-year-old will transition into more of a supporting role, or whether he will bounce back strongly next Sunday when the Chiefs visit the Chargers — with girlfriend Taylor Swift perhaps in attendance.