Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end, had an impressive game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. However, one thing was clear: Taylor Swift, his rumored girlfriend, was missing for the second week in a row.

Despite her absence, Kelce bounced back from a week of criticism, though many are wondering if her presence on game day actually affects his performance.

Kelce's Record-Breaking Game Amid Scrutiny

Is Travis Kelce's Performance Slipping Without Taylor Swift in the Stands?
TOPSHOT - US musician Taylor Swift and US NFL football player Travis Kelce attend the men's final match between Italy's Jannik Sinner and USA's Taylor Fritz on day fourteen of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, on September 8, 2024 TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

Kelce faced heightened scrutiny leading up to this game, with fans questioning his recent performances. Despite the pressure, Kelce put on an impressive show with seven catches on nine targets, racking up 89 yards. His 38-yard catch in the first quarter was a highlight, and the game also saw him break the Chiefs' franchise record for most receptions with 922.

According to FoxNews, head coach Andy Reid praised Kelce's ability to adjust to the Chargers' defense. "They played quite a little bit of zone out there and Kelce did a nice job of just getting in windows. then when they did play man, he was able to do a nice job there. There wasn't as much double team as maybe you've seen or settling on him as much as he's seen so, he did very good."

Chiefs Win, But Swift's Absence Intrigues Fans

While the Chiefs secured a 17-10 win over the Chargers, Swift's absence for two consecutive games has left fans curious. She attended the first two home games but has missed the last two road games, leading some to wonder if there's more to the story.

Reports from TMZ Sports confirm that Kelce and Swift are still a couple, with Swift busy preparing for her Eras Tour resuming on October 18th in Miami. However, Kelce's lighthearted comment about needing her support at games fueled the fire. "I need her to cheer when we're doing awesome, just to make sure that that look is being presented to everyone," Kelce said.

Swift Skips Road Games Due to Security Concerns

Sources told Page Six that Swift's absence from road games stems from security concerns. While she's comfortable attending games at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, the logistics of traveling to different stadiums pose greater challenges.

An insider explained, "She's worked with Arrowhead so many times, they feel at ease and comfortable. Going to other stadiums requires advance security preparations, making it harder for her to attend."

Does Taylor Swift Influence Kelce's Game?

Although Swift wasn't in the stands, Kelce's performance still stood out, breaking records and proving that he remains the Chiefs' top target. But the growing narrative around Swift's influence has left some wondering: Is her presence absent from his gameplay?

As Kelce continues to shine on the field, only time will tell if the Swift factor is real or just another headline-grabbing storyline. Either way, fans are eagerly watching for Kelce's performance and the possibility of Swift's return to the stands.