For the first time in over a decade, the Kansas City Chiefs are in danger of missing the NFL playoffs. The Chiefs haven’t stayed home from the postseason since 2014, when Travis Kelce was a second-year pro.

Standing at 6-6 with five games to play, Kansas City is currently in 10th place in the AFC, two games out of a playoff spot. As he and his teammates head into unfamiliar territory, Kelce reflected on how the Chiefs have gotten to this point.

A ‘few plays away’ from a different outcome

On the latest edition of the “New Heights” podcast Wednesday, Kelce admitted that one of the most painful things about this season is how close every loss has been.

“I’m sure everyone is sick of us saying it, but we’re a few plays away from being a one seed in my mind,” Kelce said, via the New York Post.

Kelce went on to point out that all six of KC’s losses are within one score and lamented a handful of plays that have gone the wrong way.

“It’s hard, it’s plays like my drop against the Eagles [in Week 2], it’s penalties that are keeping us behind the sticks, it’s coming away with three points instead of touchdowns in some games, it’s crazy that you watch the film and you see what’s real, and what’s real is we’re f—–g this close, man, we’re this f—–g close,” he said.

Last season, Kansas City went 12-0 in one-score games, including the playoffs, but hasn’t had that same good fortune this time around.

‘All that f—–g matters’

Despite how disappointing things have been so far, Kelce said he relishes the fact the Chiefs are still playing meaningful football right now.

“We’re holding teams at the right moment, and in other situations, we’re just not scoring enough. It’s tough, man, it’s tough to be a part of this reality right now cause we’re 6-6 and we’re fighting for our lives, and you know, find a way into the playoffs,” he said.

“What’s real is that we still have a chance, baby, and that’s all that f—–g matters to me, is we got a chance and we keep coming into work with the mentality and the sense of urgency that we need to have to get the ship fixed and turn those handful of plays that are losing us the game into a handful of plays that win us these games.”

Sunday a good place to start

The Chiefs host the Houston Texas (7-5) on Sunday Night Football this weekend. A win is paramount to their postseason chances; as of now, KC’s playoff odds sit at 35%, but would rise to 49% with a win over Houston or fall to 11% with a loss.

ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives the Chiefs a 65.1% chance of winning Sunday. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on Dec 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.