Travis Kelce ’s underwhelming start to the 2024 season has turned from a whisper into a roar. Through the first three games of the season, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end has caught only eight passes for a total of 69 yards. Making matters worse, Kelce has yet to score a touchdown.

It’s been a befuddling trio of games for Kelce, 34, widely regarded as one of the best tight ends in NFL history, who signed a monster two-year, $34.5 million contract extension with the Chiefs in April. So, what’s going on? To understand why Kelce’s start has been such a hot topic — and such a point of contention for some fantasy football owners — it’s important to take a look back at why expectations are so high for the nine-time Pro Bowler, and why his coaches and teammates have been forced to weigh in.

For a full breakdown on the historical significance of Kelce’s start, keep scrolling. For one thing, this is Travis Kelce we’re talking about. The three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time First Team All-Pro has been as dominant as they come in the NFL over the course of the past decade.

During the first three games of Kelce’s most productive season in 2022, he amassed 184 receiving yards on 17 receptions on his way to career highs in receptions (110), receiving yards (1,338) and touchdowns (12). Just last year, after missing the first game of the season against the Detroit Lions with a knee injury, Kelce nabbed 155 yards receiving in his first three starts combined. At th.