Travis Kelce has long been considered one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, delivering dominant performances that have made him a cornerstone in fantasy football leagues. Over nearly a decade, Kelce has produced seven 1,000-yard seasons and posted fantasy point totals that dazzled enthusiasts, including two seasons with over 300 points. However, as he approaches his 36th year, Kelce’s status as an unstoppable force in fantasy football is now being questioned due to the natural effects of aging and evolving team dynamics.

The Impact of Age and Team Dynamics on Kelce’s Production

Last season, Kelce scored 195.4 fantasy points, which, while still impressive for a tight end, marked his lowest tally since 2015. This decline signals a significant shift compared to his peak years when 300+ point seasons seemed routine. Age is taking its toll, and the Kansas City offense is becoming more balanced with new talents like Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and the return of Hollywood Brown. These emerging stars are sharing targets that Kelce once dominated, with his average targets per game dropping to 8.3 in the previous season. This reduction in opportunities raises legitimate concerns for fantasy owners relying on Kelce as a primary weapon.

The Rarity of High-Scoring Tight Ends Over 35

Tight ends surpassing 200 fantasy points after age 35 are extremely uncommon, with Tony Gonzalez being the only player to achieve this feat multiple times. Although Kelce has exhibited exceptional durability and skill throughout his career, history underscores the challenges players face as they age. Additionally, observers noted that Kelce’s explosive yards-after-catch ability, a vital component of his fantasy success, has diminished. While he remains shrewd in reading defenses and exploiting coverage, the burst and agility that once defined his game appear less reliable, even if he manages to slim down to regain some quickness.

Will Kelce Be a Smart Pick in the 2025 Fantasy Draft?

Kelce’s draft value in 2025 is a complicated matter. He is unlikely to be chosen among the top 20 players and is more commonly available in later rounds, such as the sixth or seventh. Selecting him at these stages carries increased risk given his declining target share and physical limitations. Yet, if Kelce can maintain a target count near 7 to 8 per game, he still has the potential to provide useful fantasy value as a mid-to-late round pick. Fantasy managers considering drafting Kelce should avoid early-round selections driven by nostalgia and instead focus on pairing him with younger tight ends who offer upside, acknowledging that Kelce’s numbers could continue to dip as the Chiefs emphasize newer offensive weapons.

The Significance of Kelce’s Future Role in Fantasy Football

Travis Kelce’s influence on fantasy football is undisputed; he helped redefine what a tight end could be in both the NFL and fantasy leagues. However, his time as an elite, season-carrying asset appears to be winding down. While he might still serve as a valuable secondary option in fantasy drafts, the smart allocation of early picks should prioritize emerging stars capable of delivering higher ceilings. The 2025 fantasy football landscape reflects a turning point where drafting Kelce carries more risk than in past years, signaling a broader shift toward younger players poised to take over the spotlight.

“Here’s the deal, folks. Travis Kelce has been the guy for nearly a decade. Arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history, Kelce has turned the impossible into routine and fantasy players into champions. His résumé reads like a love letter to both football and fantasy football enthusiasts alike—seven 1,000-yard seasons, five campaigns over 250 points, and two absurd 300-point performances.” —fantasy football expert
“Sure, Kelce’s name has more value than half the league combined, but fantasy football isn’t about sentimentality; it’s about points.” —fantasy analyst
“Draft responsibly, folks. And maybe pour one out as you pass on Kelce in the early rounds because this is how legends leave the realm of fantasy superstardom—with a whimper, not a winning TD.” —fantasy sports commentator