2020 Stats: 105 receptions, 1,416 receiving yards, 11 receiving touchdowns, 145 targets. Finished as TE 1.
2021 Projected Stats via My Fantasy League: 113 receptions, 1,422 receiving yards, 11 receiving touchdowns, 161 targets. Projected as TE 1.
IDP Guys Consensus Ranking TE 1
Travis Kelce‘s 2021 Dynasty Outlook
When you think about consistency at the tight end position in fantasy football, Travis Kelce’s name is usually at the top of the list. Of course, it helps that he is part of an offense that many see as the most explosive in the league.
The fact that the NFL is adding an additional regular-season game — starting in 2021 — only strengthens Kelce’s hold as the league’s top tight end. I will review why I feel like the arrow is pointing up on Travis Kelce’s 2021 Dynasty Outlook.
Stability With The Offensive Coaches
Head coach Andy Reid and Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy are both entering their ninth season in Kansas City. For the second off-season in a row, Bieniemy has been a hot name brought up for NFL head coach openings. Once again, he will return to Kansas City to call plays for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
This is great news for dynasty players who have both the star signal-caller and Travis Kelce rostered. Kansas City ended last season with the third-most passing attempts (630), second-most completions (420), the most passing yards (5,005), and tied for the third-most touchdown passes (40).
Little Roster Turnover Going Into 2021
So far this off-season, Kansas City has really only lost two players of note — wide receiver Sammy Watkins (Baltimore) and backup running back Le’Veon Bell (Free Agent). Though noteworthy, neither of these players had much impact on Kelce’s production in 2020.
With the starting offense remaining intact, Travis Kelce should continue to be a focal point in the offense. In fact, he might even see a few more targets. Outside of Tyreek Hill, the wide receivers are relatively unproven, which is great for Kelce in 2021.
Don’t Let His Age Or Contact Scare You
When you talk about dynasty football leagues, most managers prefer players who are young and full of potential or young players who are producing. The price tag to acquire those players is very expensive and could end up hindering the growth of your dynasty team.
Going back three seasons, Kelce finished as the top tight end in fantasy football in all three. The overall points differential between him and the second tight end during those seasons have been a minimum of 20 points.
Kelce has been very dependable during his career, which is what you look for as a dynasty manager. Since 2014, Travis has only missed two games. Kelce is 31 years old, will potentially be cut at the end of this upcoming season (contact), and has an OC who will possibly get a head coaching job next off-season.
Regardless, dynasty managers who are contending for a championship should look to acquire Kelce. Here is a trade I would make if I was in win-now mode:
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