This position is in the spotlight for Chiefs-Commanders (plus what else to watch)
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kelce and Ertz meet Monday at Arrowhead in what may be their final matchup
- Kelce holds 1,035 catches; Ertz 798, ranking 1-2 in catches since 2013
- Watch penalties trends, Wagner’s defensive leadership, and Lane’s punt returns
Two of the best to ever play the tight end position clash at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday, when the Washington Commanders visit the Kansas City Chiefs.
Because Washington’s Zach Ertz has played his entire career in the NFC (previously with the Eagles, Cardinals and Lions) and the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce competes in the AFC, their teams have seldom met. This is their teams’ fifth regular-season matchup, and Kelce didn’t play in the first one.
That’s when both players were rookies in 2013. Ertz was the second tight end drafted, No. 35 overall, by the Philadelphia Eagles. Kelce was the fifth, taken in the third round, and played only one snap as a rookie because of an injury.
They’ve both had remarkable careers, ranking third and sixth on the league’s all-time career receptions list for tight ends. Kelce’s 1,035 catches ranks behind Tony Gonzalez (1,325) and Jason Witten (1,228); Ertz has 798 receptions.
They rank 1-2 in receptions since entering the league.
Kelce and Ertz have had big games against each other, too. In a 2017 Chiefs victory over the Eagles at Arrowhead, Ertz went for 97 yards on 10 receptions — while Kelce had 103 yards and a touchdown on eight catches.
The last time Ertz and Kelce met was in the 2022 season opener, when Ertz played for Arizona. Kelce had one of his biggest games that day, hauling in eight receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown.
Records, milestones and multiple Pro Bowl have defined both players’ careers. Ertz holds the NFL record for receptions in a season by a tight end, with 116 in 2018. Kelce needs one more TD for 100 all-time, including playoff games.
Unless their teams meet in the postseason, this might be the final time two of the best to ever play the position share a stage.
Here’s what else to watch with the Commanders visit the Chiefs on Monday. Kickoff is 7:15 p.m.
Chiefs player to watch: right tackle Jawaan Taylor
Guess who is not leading the NFL in penalties?
That’s right: Taylor has dropped to second on the list this season, behind San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenior. He has eight to Taylor’s seven.
Taylor hasn’t been penalized since the first quarter of the Chiefs’ Week 5 game at Jacksonville (when he drew a flag for illegal formation).
He got off to such a rough start in 2025, drawing four penalties in the opener against the L.A. Chargers. Then he garnered two more the next week against the Eagles. The Chiefs lost both games and it appeared little had changed from the previous two seasons, when Taylor racked up the most penalties in the NFL.
Chiefs head coadch Andy Reid said better concentration has contributed to Taylor’s improvement.
“I think it was just his mindset on things and making sure that he took care of business there,” Reid said. “I think he’s done a great job with it. I think that will continue. ... Every lineman has one here and there, but you don’t want to stack them up.”
Commanders player to watch: linebacker Bobby Wagner
In his 14th season, Wagner continues to be productive. He ranks second in the NFL with 73 total tackles, has recorded two sacks in a game and is the leader of the defense.
Wagner has been an All-Pro 10 times — with five appearances on the first team — and is also a 10-time Pro Bowl selection. At age 35, he’s likely nearing the close of a Hall of Fame career. He’s playing on a one-year deal with Washington.
Special teams player to watch: Commanders returner Jaylin Lane
Lane, a rookie, has become one of the NFL’s top punt return specialists, averaging 13.9 yards per try. He’s taken a punt back 91 yards for a touchdown this season, too.
Getting more playing time with injuries among Washington’s wide receivers, Lane is coming off his best game yet: three catches for 60 yards against the Dallas Cowboys.
This story was originally published October 24, 2025 at 11:59 AM.