Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs are enjoying a well-earned bye in the first round of the NFL playoffs after finishing the 2024 regular season with an impressive 15-2 record. This performance secured them the No. 1 seed in the AFC, ensuring a strong start to their playoff run. As two-time defending Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs’ return to the postseason comes as no surprise. However, one team that caught Kelce off guard for making the playoffs is the Minnesota Vikings.
Kelce Surprised by Vikings' Dominance
While discussing playoff surprises with his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, on the "New Heights" podcast, Travis Kelce admitted that he didn’t expect Minnesota to perform as well as they did this season. "Honestly, I don't know why. I didn't think Minnesota was going to be that dominant," he shared.
He went on to praise quarterback Sam Darnold, saying, “Sam Darnold has been playing his tail off." Kelce also mentioned the Washington Commanders and the Denver Broncos as teams that exceeded expectations this season.
Sam Darnold's Breakout Year with the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings secured the No. 5 seed in the NFC after finishing the regular season with a 14-3 record, an outcome few anticipated before the start of the year. This success came despite the offseason departure of Kirk Cousins and the addition of Sam Darnold, who was coming off a lackluster tenure as a backup quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers.
However, Darnold defied the doubters, putting together the best season of his career with the Vikings. He threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions in 17 starts, proving that Minnesota's gamble on him paid off.
Vikings to Face Rams in NFC Wild Card Game
The Vikings will aim to continue their strong season when they face the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Game on Monday. The game will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to the California wildfires that have led to several sporting events being postponed in Los Angeles.
Kansas City Chiefs Await Playoff Opponent
As for Travis Kelce and the Chiefs, they will begin their playoff journey on either January 18 or 19, with their opponent to be determined based on the outcomes of this weekend’s games. The Chiefs are poised to make another deep playoff run, bolstered by their stellar regular-season performance and their championship pedigree.