Mahomes praises Kelce amid hot start to season: 'Glad he's on my team'

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is coming off one of the best performances of his career, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes heaped praise on his favorite target Wednesday.

"I think defenses and defensive coordinators are doing their best to cover him," Mahomes said, according to NFL.com's Nick Shook. "There's a reason he's Travis Kelce; he finds a way to get himself open versus man, versus zone, versus everything. I'm just glad he's on my team, I'll say that."

Kelce tied a career-high 12 receptions on 13 targets from Mahomes in last Sunday's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. His 179 receiving yards in the contest are also the second-highest total of his illustrious career.

Despite dealing with a knee injury that forced him to miss the season opener and limited him upon his return, the 34-year-old remains one of the NFL's premier weapons.

Kelce has either exceeded 100 yards or caught a touchdown in all but one game this season. The All-Pro tops the Chiefs with four receiving scores and is by far the team's leading receiver with 525 yards. Rookie Rashee Rice ranks second with 305 yards.

"We always talk with the receivers (and) tight ends about having that clock in your head," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. "Trav has the ability to keep that thing running; how long can I do what I need to do to get open, and Pat stays in tune with that.

"They've got a good connection, that's what makes them special together. From a defensive standpoint, (if you) try to put too many guys on one guy and then the other guys have a battle, so that can be a tough thing from that side."

Mahomes and Kelce will look to continue their hot streak and win a seventh straight game Sunday on the road against the Denver Broncos.