Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Only This Kansas City Chiefs Superstar Ties With Jerry Rice For Unique Playoffs Record

Travis Kelce ties Jerry Rice for historic playoff records.

Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to face the Buffalo Bills for the fourth time in the postseason since 2020. The Chiefs have won all three previous meetings, with one constant: the postseason dominance of tight end Travis Kelce.

Travis Kelce’s Consistency Against The Bills

Kelce has delivered at least 75 yards and one touchdown in each of the playoff games against the Bills. This includes his game-winning touchdown in the 42-36 overtime thriller after the 2021 regular season. Last year, he made headlines again with two touchdowns and a heart-shaped celebration directed at Taylor Swift, who was in attendance.

The Chiefs beat the Bills 42-36 in a CLASSIC!

Kansas City drives 44 yards in 13 seconds for the game-tying field goal, setting up this Travis Kelce TD in OT. 😱

WHAT. A. GAME!!! #BUFvsKC #NFLPlayoffs #NFL #ChiefsKingdom #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/hNirW6Ls2s
— For Future Considerations (@PodcastFFC) January 24, 2022

In their 2020 AFC Championship Game matchup, Kelce had 13 catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. The following year, he followed up with eight catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. Last year’s performance was no different: five catches, 75 yards, and two touchdowns.

A Postseason Legend Alongside Jerry Rice

Kelce’s postseason stats are historic. With 2,020 career postseason receiving yards, he trails only Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, who holds the record with 2,245 yards. They are the only two players in NFL history to surpass 2,000 postseason receiving yards.

Kelce also matches Rice in playoff touchdowns, with both being the only players to record at least 20 touchdown receptions. Kelce has 20, while Rice leads with 22. Last week, Kelce surpassed Rice’s record for 100-yard postseason games, logging his ninth such performance.

The only players with 2,000+ receiving yards and 20+ receiving touchdowns in their postseason careers:

Jerry Rice

And now, Travis Kelce. pic.twitter.com/uUq28cBd1K
— StatMuse Football (@statmusefb) January 18, 2025

“He’s the greatest tight end there has been,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said.

Kelce’s dominance isn’t just on the field. In the offseason, he signed a restructured deal that makes him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, earning $17.125 million annually. Previously, his four-year, $57.25 million deal ranked him fifth among active tight ends in average annual value.

Shutting Down The Skeptics

At 35, many doubted if Kelce could maintain his elite form. This season, his 823 receiving yards and three touchdowns marked his lowest output since his rookie year. However, his performance against the Houston Texans in the divisional playoffs silenced critics. Kelce led all players with 117 receiving yards, scored a touchdown, and broke tackles on a 49-yard play, the game’s longest.

“He just got right in the window right behind the linebackers,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “That’s what he’s done for his entire career.”

Kelce’s ability to find gaps in the defense was on display again as he scored the game’s final touchdown, even with Texans’ defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. pressuring Mahomes.

“Playoff Trav” Continues To Shine

The Chiefs’ win over the Texans secured their seventh consecutive AFC Championship Game appearance. Kelce’s postseason resurgence is reminiscent of last year, where he tallied 32 catches and three touchdowns during their Super Bowl LVIII-winning run.

PLAYOFF TRAV pic.twitter.com/65cs54Jowk
— New Heights (@newheightshow) January 18, 2025

“It’s Playoff Trav,” Mahomes said. “He’s a leader, man. This is what he lives for is playing in these moments, having the chance to make big-time plays.”

As Kelce gears up for yet another playoff clash with the Bills, he continues to cement his legacy as one of the NFL’s greatest postseason performers.

(Image: Imagn Images)

Jerry Rice

Travis Kelce

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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