Guest of the League
Sancho's Keeper League 19 Est. 2001
FFL: Week 12 | NFL: Week 12

Retirement era? Chiefs TE Travis Kelce not talking '26

Fri Nov 21 5:03pm ET
Field Level Media

Contractually speaking, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is tied to Kansas City for only seven more games.

The 36-year-old kept the door ajar to a possible 14th NFL season in 2026, and based on his production -- 50 receptions for 631 yards and four touchdowns -- Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid appear unlikely to lock it when the 2025 season ends.

But Kelce knows the painstaking process took a lot of out his older brother, Jason, who retired from the Philadelphia Eagles before the 2024 season.

With that in mind, Travis Kelce said Friday that he has every intention of telling the Chiefs his plans before free agency begins in March.

"I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not -- or whether they want me back or not. I'd like to make that decision before they've got to get draft picks and free agency opens to fill the roster appropriately," he said.

"All that will be at the end of the season. I won't be thinking about it until then."

Kelce turned 36 in October and was determined to give Kansas City another productive season after falling short of his own standard in 2024.

Entering Sunday's game against the Colts, Kelce leads the Chiefs in catches, yards and TD catches. He scored his 84th career touchdown during last week's loss to the Denver Broncos to break Priest Holmes' franchise mark.

"He's done a heck of a job," Reid said. "He worked like crazy in the offseason to get himself in tip-top shape, which you have to do when you start reaching an older age. You've got to work a little bit extra, and he did that. It's paying off for him."

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 12

Player Notes
Jalen Hurts Nov 21 10:10pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had another one-touchdown outing last week against the Lions, making for back-to-back underwhelming fantasy performances. Philly's offense has struggled overall in their last couple of games, but their woes should come to an end this Sunday as they have their second meeting with the Cowboys. Dallas gives up the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season and allows the third-most passing yards per game (249.9) in the NFL. But back in Week 1, it was Hurts' run game that really impressed. He opened the season against his division rivals with 62 yards and two scores on the ground, but managed just 152 passing yards. As the Eagles look to hang onto the top seed in the NFC, Hurts is a must-start QB1 in a very favorable matchup.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Nov 21 9:50pm ET
Tank Bigsby

Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby hasn't been able to make much of an impact on the field this season. In Week 8, Bigsby rushed for 104 yards on nine yards, but outside of that Bigsby has been a non-factor. The 23-year-old has seen seven carries over the last two weeks as the primary back to Saquon Barkley. The expectation is that Bigsby is going to continue having a minimal role in the offense as long as Barkley is healthy. Bigsby could be worth stashing in deep leagues because if something happens to Barkley he'll likely have a larger role. Outside of that, Bigsby can be ignored while Barkley is healthy.

From RotoBaller

KaVontae Turpin Nov 21 9:40pm ET
KaVontae Turpin

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin hasn't done much in the receiving game over the last few weeks. Turpin has been held to two receptions or fewer in four straight games. Last week, Turpin hauled in one of his two targets for zero yards in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders. At this point, Turpin has fallen too far down on the depth chart to be a weekly asset. Right now, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are looking like the only reliable wideouts on this roster. Turpin is a helpful special teams player, but isn't someone that is going to help in fantasy leagues right now.

From RotoBaller

Terrell Jennings Nov 21 9:30pm ET
Terrell Jennings

New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings has been a non-factor in the offense in recent weeks. Jennings only saw four carries in Week 10 and didn't play any offensive snaps against the New York Jets last week. TreVeyon Henderson has been excellent over the last two games, so Jennings hasn't been needed in the rushing game. Fellow back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) is currently questionable to suit up against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12. If he returns, Jennings is unlikely to touch the field at all. Regardless, Jennings is expected to have a minimal role in the offense going forward.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Hutchinson Nov 21 9:20pm ET
Xavier Hutchinson

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson was a non-factor during Thursday's Week 12 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The 25-year-old was not targeted at all in the passing game. Hutchinson rushed the ball once for nine yards in the win. This is now the second time in the last three games that Hutchinson has been held without a catch. There is certainly some potential here, but Hutchinson clearly isn't part of the weekly gameplan right now. He's someone worth stashing in dynasty leagues due to his potential, but isn't someone that needs to be rostered in redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Harold Fannin Jr. Nov 21 9:10pm ET
Harold Fannin Jr.

Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. turned in a quiet outing in a Week 11 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, catching just two passes for 26 yards on a windy afternoon in Cleveland. The rookie will look to bounce back on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12. Fannin has been impressive in his debut season, catching 44 passes for 422 yards and two touchdowns across 10 contests. He will hope to keep that going in a tough matchup against a Raiders defense that is allowing just the 28th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. Fannin remains a focal point in the Cleveland passing attack but the matchup for him in Week 12 isn't ideal. Treat him as a mid-range TE2 in fantasy for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Ryan Flournoy Nov 21 9:10pm ET
Ryan Flournoy

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy has seen his role in the passing game decrease in recent weeks. Last week, Flournoy hauled in his lone target for a two-yard touchdown in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Flournoy has finished with two or fewer receptions in four straight games. Sadly, there aren't enough targets to go around with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens seeing a majority of the action. At the moment, Flournoy is just a depth option in this offense. He should be considered a touchdown-dependent option for the upcoming Week 12 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Dawson Knox Nov 21 9:00pm ET
Dawson Knox

Fantasy managers seeking tight end help might have been looking at Buffalo Bills TE Dawson Knox in recent weeks after Dalton Kincaid injured his hamstring in Week 10. Despite Kincaid missing Weeks 11 and 12, Knox has proven to be unreliable, catching just four passes for 40 scoreless yards on seven targets. The 29-year-old was especially disappointing in the 44-32 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend, when he caught one of three targets for 23 yards on a day when the Bills' offense was marching up and down the field. Knox had three grabs on four targets for 17 yards in the Thursday night loss in Houston to the Texans. He played a season-high 86% of the offensive snaps against the Texans, but it led to another lackluster game. Kincaid could be back in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers to take over top TE pass-catching duties in Buffalo.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Nov 21 9:00pm ET
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell made both of his field goal attempts and all four of his extra-point tries in a 34-12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11. He'll look to stay perfect in a Week 12 road matchup with the Chicago Bears. Chicago surrenders the seventh-most points per game to opponents, and while this contest isn't necessarily expected to be a shootout, it still carries a healthy projected point total. If quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) is unable to play on Sunday, Boswell could play an even more pivotal role in keeping the Steelers on the scoreboard. As one of the most consistent kickers in the league, Boswell has earned the trust of fantasy managers and should remain locked into starting lineups this week.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Nov 21 9:00pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) got in a full practice on Friday and is listed without a final injury designation after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday this week. The veteran tight end will look to break a quiet stretch in Week 12's road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Njoku has caught just three passes for 28 yards and a touchdown over his past two games as the Browns continue to lean on rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. at Njoku's expense in the passing attack. To make matters worse for Njoku, the Raiders have been tough on tight ends this season, allowing just the 28th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Njoku sets up as a low-end TE2 heading into Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Nov 21 8:50pm ET
Jonnu Smith

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith failed to catch a single pass in Week 11, marking his first game without a reception since Week 4 of last season. Though the matchup against the Chicago Bears is favorable, there is little reason to expect Smith to bounce back to fantasy relevance in Week 12. The Steelers remain unpredictable in how they deploy their tight ends, with Smith, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington all playing significant snaps. It is clear, however, that Smith's fantasy value is entirely touchdown-dependent, as he has topped 20 receiving yards just four times this year. As the TE29 in RotoBaller's Week 12 rankings, fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a streaming option.

From RotoBaller

DeForest Buckner Nov 21 8:50pm ET
DeForest Buckner

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Friday that defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) has been in the building and is "very" optimistic that he can return this year, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Buckner has been on IR due to a neck injury since early November, and he won't be eligible to return to the Colts defense until Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. The 31-year-old's return will be a huge boost for Indy's interior defensive line later this season, though, as the three-time Pro Bowler had 42 tackles (26 solo), four sacks, nine tackles for loss, and 13 QB hits in nine starts in his sixth season with the Colts before injuring his neck. Buckner has mostly been durable in his 10 NFL seasons, but he also missed five games in 2024 with an ankle injury. Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Buckner has remained productive rushing the passer when he's been healthy.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Nov 21 8:40pm ET
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth had just one reception last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that he has dominated throughout his career. His role in the offense remains incredibly unpredictable heading into a Week 12 bout with the Chicago Bears. The Steelers are seemingly taking a hot-hand approach at the tight end position, giving more snaps and opportunities to whichever player makes an early impact. Last week, that was Darnell Washington, who posted a career high in receiving yardage and could be featured more in the coming weeks. Even with the Bears offering a decent matchup for Freiermuth, fantasy managers can't reasonably depend on him in starting lineups on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Nov 21 8:40pm ET
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman turned in a decent effort in a Week 11 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, catching three of his four targets for 52 yards in defeat. Tillman will now head on the road to face off against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12. The Raiders have been an excellent matchup for receivers this season as they are allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. While the fact the Browns are starting unknown quantity Shedeur Sanders at quarterback isn't ideal, Tillman will run many of his routes against Kyu Blu Kelly, who was partially responsible for George Pickens' explosive nine-catch, 144-yard, one-touchdown performance in Week 11. Tillman isn't a safe play, but he is on the radar in fantasy as a dart-throw flex option and is even worth a look as a low-priced option in DFS tournaments.

From RotoBaller

Tutu Atwell Nov 21 8:40pm ET
Tutu Atwell

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Friday that wide receiver Tutu Atwell (hamstring) could return from Injured Reserve next week, according to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. Atwell will not be available this Sunday night when the Rams take on the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the 26-year-old wideout could be ready to roll on Sunday, Nov. 30, against the Carolina Panthers in Week 13. Even though the Rams have one of the higher-scoring offenses in the NFL, Atwell shouldn't really be in consideration for a waiver-wire pickup in most fantasy leagues with his return on the horizon. Before his hamstring injury, the former second-rounder in 2021 out of Louisville had a mere four catches for 164 yards and one touchdown in six games played as an inconsistent deep threat.

From RotoBaller

Jerry Jeudy Nov 21 8:40pm ET
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy turned in a pedestrian outing in a Week 11 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, catching just three passes for 21 yards. He will look to bounce back on the road in Week 12's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders set up as an excellent matchup for Jeudy as they are allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to receivers this year. That includes a rough performance against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11, which led to big games from George Pickens (nine catches for 144 yards and a touchdown) and CeeDee Lamb (5-66-1). Jeudy has only been fantasy relevant once this year, back in Week 10 against the New York Jets, but he is worth a look as a boom/bust flex option thanks to the positive matchup in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Nov 21 8:30pm ET
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford will take on the Las Vegas Raiders on the road in Week 12. Ford has been barely used in the Cleveland offense this season, handling just three carries over his past three games as the Browns have focused on getting the ball to standout rookie runner Quinshon Judkins. Ford will hope to see a larger role against a Raiders defense that is allowing the 19th-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Ford's role in the Cleveland offense leaves him as a difficult-to-trust fantasy option who sets up as a risky start this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Nov 21 8:30pm ET
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receivers Dontayvion Wicks (calf) and Savion Williams (foot) are both listed as questionable for the team's Week 12 contest on Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. Wicks was limited in practice all week, while Williams had a limited session on Thursday sandwiched around two DNPs on Wednesday and Friday. Receivers Christian Watson (knee), Romeo Doubs (wrist), and Bo Melton (shoulder) have been cleared, while rookie Matthew Golden (shoulder, wrist) is also questionable. Even if the 24-year-old Wicks is cleared to play, fantasy managers will have a tough time convincing themselves he's worth a starting lineup spot in fantasy football. Wicks has just 18 receptions on the year on 30 targets for 181 yards and no touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Nov 21 8:20pm ET
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is open to returning for a 14th NFL season next year, but he said on Friday that he doesn't plan to make that decision until early March, before NFL free agency begins, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. "I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not -- or whether they want me back or not," Kelce said. "I'd like to make that decision before they've got to get draft picks and free agency opens to fill the roster appropriately." The 36-year-old 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro is in the final year of his contract in 2025. Despite his age, Kelce is on pace for an eighth season with 1,000 receiving yards and his first since 2022. He leads the Chiefs in targets (66), catches (50), yards (631), touchdowns (four), and receiving first downs (33) heading into the team's Week 12 contest against the Indianapolis Colts. Kelce's 339 yards after the catch rank third among TEs.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Nov 21 8:20pm ET
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson has seen an uptick in playing time recently and could surprise against the Chicago Bears in Week 12. This is a great matchup for Wilson, with Chicago surrendering the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing receivers this season. It's unclear at this point if Aaron Rodgers (wrist) will be ready to play on Sunday, but it's worth noting that Wilson's lone reception in Week 11 came on a pass from backup quarterback Mason Rudolph. Although the second-year pro hasn't yet established himself as a consistent threat, he has been operating ahead of Calvin Austin III as Pittsburgh's WR2 and has flashed the talent to potentially break out down the stretch. He's not a viable option in the majority of redraft formats just yet, but Wilson can be viewed as a boom-or-bust flex play in deep leagues and an intriguing stash in dynasty.

From RotoBaller