Speaking on his New Heights podcast to older brother Jason, the tight end admitted they have no more room for error if they are to make the playoffs in what could be his final season in the NFL.
The Chiefs host Houston Texans at Arrowhead on Sunday night, with DeMeco Ryan’s team winning four straight going into the game – form that Kelce’s men simply have to replicate now.
‘It’s tough to be part of this reality right now,’ Kelce admitted. ‘We are 6-6 and we are fighting for our lives to find a way into the playoffs.
‘What’s real is that we still have a chance, baby, and that’s all that f***ing matters to me. We have got a chance and we keep coming to work with the mentality and the sense of urgency that we need to have to get this s*** fixed.’
It’s set to be a cold one in Kansas City when Sunday Night Football begins against the Texans, with temperatures dropping to 20 degrees.
Travis Kelce says the Chiefs are ‘fighting for their lives’ after losing to the Dallas Cowboys
Kelce and the Chiefs have got to win when they face Houston Texans on Sunday evening
‘My kind of football, baby. My kind of football,’ Kelce said. ‘Especially after a weekend of rest. Go out there, fly around on the ice man. That’s why I love those games more.
‘Something about being in the cold and sweating, I feel my most athletic self. I don’t klnow why that feels like my sanctuary. It hits those lungs a little different.
‘The beauty of football you get to play in all elements, especially at Arrowhead. Hopefully we come away with a f***ing win against a really good football team.’
The Chiefs star also repeated his belief that, after watching the Cowboys loss back, his men are just a few plays away from clicking into top gear.
‘I’m sure everyone is sick of us saying it but we’re a few plays away form being a one seed in my mind,’ he explained. ‘And maybe that’s a bit extreme.
‘All the losses are within one score and there’s a handful of plays within those games that are determining the outcome.
‘It’s plays like my drop against rthe Eagles, 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, you watch the film and you see what’s real and what’s real is we are this f***ing close.’
Kelce has been in superb form individually this season, even as the team struggles
After the Texans, the Chiefs have another blockbuster showdown against AFC West rivals Los Angeles Chargers – also at Arrowhead.
Showdowns against the Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos on Christmas Day and Las Vegas Raiders round out the regular season for the Chiefs.
But while his team have struggled, Kelce himself has been in fine form for most of the season. He has five touchdowns to his name so far and 719 receiving yards.