Video: Travis Kelce Says Chiefs Have Heard Criticism from Rex Ryan Entering Playoffs

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is using criticism surrounding the team's success in 2024 as fuel for the playoffs.

"We've definitely heard all of the chatter," Kelce said during a Monday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. "Guys like Rex Ryan saying that this team can't win in the playoffs and he's seen it before. We hear everything, but at the same time we know what's real and what's in this building."

Ryan, a former NFL head coach and current ESPN analyst, said on Dec. 9 that there are "three of four" teams better than the Chiefs (2:50 mark).

He also said that the Chiefs were "more vulnerable this year than they've ever been" on First Take (5:32 mark).

Kansas City won 15 of its first 16 games to open the year before suffering its second loss in Week 18 while starters on both sides of the ball sat out after locking up the AFC's No. 1 seed.

Ryan's concerns may be due to 11 of the team's wins occurring in one-possession games this season, but it's still hard to bet against a Chiefs squad attempting to become the first franchise in NFL history to hoist the Lombardi Trophy three years in a row.

Kelce didn't have as large of a role in Kansas City's offense compared to past seasons, but he still earned his 10th consecutive Pro Bowl nod. In 16 starts, he hauled in 97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns.

The Chiefs will open the playoffs against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium as they look to continue their championship defense and silence doubters.

Kickoff is on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET.