to run essentially turns him into an extra wide receiver. That has proven to be critical the past few weeks while Jeremy Maclin, the Chiefs top wide

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- By just about any measure, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had as good of an offseason as anyone.It began when he reached a five-year, $46 million contract extension that included $20 million in guarantees -- a deal signed while he was in Hawaii, no less. It continued with the filming of a reality TV show in which 50 women tried to impress the 27-year-old bachelor enough to win his love.His season is turning out to be pretty good, too.Kelce had eight catches for a career-best 140 yards in Sundays win over Atlanta, which allowed Kansas City to remain a game behind Oakland in the AFC West. It was the former third-round picks third straight 100-yard receiving effort, one shy of the franchise record set by Tony Gonzalez in 2000. Hell have a chance to match it in a pivotal Thursday night showdown with the Raiders .The guys so unique. One of the most unique tight ends in the NFL, Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith said. I think of what he can do -- he has so many different strengths.Most of them are in the passing game, where his hands and ability to run essentially turns him into an extra wide receiver. That has proven to be critical the past few weeks while Jeremy Maclin, the Chiefs top wide receiver, has been dealing with a lingering groin injury.His big-play ability was evident right from the start in Atlanta, when Kelce hauled in back-to-back catches of 21 and 35 yards to help the Chiefs answer the Falcons opening-drive touchdown.For a big guy to have the kind of vision he does, you saw it on the opening drive, Smith said. The first catch, to go up and get that in traffic, and then he beats the safety one-on-one (one the next catch) to get us down to the goal line. Obviously, hes a heck of a player.He even got props from the safety he beat on that play, Keanu Neal.Hes a technician, smart with his routes, and he knows how to play the game, Neal said after the game. Hes a great route-runner and can play ball. Thats why hes a Pro Bowler.Its also why the Chiefs have begun to target him more often.He was only targeted three times apiece in back-to-back games against Oakland and New Orleans earlier this season, catching five passes for 57 yards combined. But he has been targeted at least eight times each of the past three weeks, including 15 targets in his 101-yard effort two weeks ago in Denver.The result has been 23 catches for 349 yards over the past three games .Normally in big games, your good players show up, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. Hes always going to be a part of our game plan. Wed be foolish not to make him a part. So then you have to kind of overcome the other teams plan and try to do something else if they double him. Weve moved him all over the place, so were lucky he can do that.Indeed, Kelce is comfortable lining up in the traditional tight end position at the end of the line, but hes just as relaxed lining up in the slot or even wide in formations.The most impressive thing to me is in the pass game, how he matches up on different people, Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. You have coverage on him, you think you have the right leverage and then he can stick a foot in the ground and change directions. Thats really hard for a big guy to do.Perhaps most impressive is that Kelce has managed to maintain his focus and drive, despite the flashy new contract, all those swooning women and his burgeoning superstardom. He is rarely in the locker room when reporters are around, and he tends to deflect questions that dont have anything to do with football.Good luck trying to get him to talk about his show, Catching Kelce.Which is perfectly fine with the Chiefs. They just want him to keep catching passes.Game notes WR Jeremy Maclin, who has missed four games with a groin injury, practiced Tuesday and could be available. I know hes feeling better, Reid said. Were optimistic. ... The forecast for Thursday night calls for temperatures in the teens with a wind chill that could approach single digits. Its going to be freezing, most definitely, said WR Tyreek Hill, a Florida native. Ive never played in anything like this.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Custom Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys .C. -- Calgarys Kevin Koe did it the hard way again. Marcus Allen Jersey . Inter president Erick Thohir says in a club statement on Wednesday that Vidic is "one of the worlds best defenders and his qualities, international pedigree, and charisma will be an asset. http://www.thechiefsshoponline.com/Youth-Harrison-Butker-Chiefs-Jersey/ . The 29-year-old from Port Colborne, Ont., has nothing but good things to say about former U.S. marine Liz (Girlrilla) Carmouche ahead of their co-main event Wednesday on the UFCs "Fight for the Troops" televised card in Fort Campbell, Ky. Anthony Sherman Womens Jersey . Didier Drogba gave away the penalty that put Senegal one goal away from a major upset, but the veteran striker will get another chance -- probably his last -- at the World Cup after Salomon Kalous injury-time strike sealed the Ivorians place in Brazil next year. Len Dawson Jersey . Peter Gammons, an analyst for Major League Baseballs network and website, drew the ire of hockey fans on Sunday when he criticized the two NHL teams on Twitter for their physical game the night before. NEW YORK -- Cam Newton was fined $9,115 for taunting Falcons linebacker Deion Jones , who avoided a fine for his helmet-to-helmet hit on the Carolina quarterback on a 2-point conversion later that knocked Newton from the game with a concussion.Panthers right guard Trai Turner was fined $24,309 for verbally abusing an official who didnt flag Jones for the hit that the NFL also deemed legal.Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was fined $24,309 for taunting in a loss at Minnesota on Monday night.Redskins cornerback Josh Norman was fined $9,115 for pantomiming a bow and arrow after an interception against the Browns, and Cleveland receiver Terrell Pryor was fined the same amount for using the football as a prop.Also, Washington wide receiver DeSean Jackson is expected to be fined for wearing cleats with a yellow caution tape design in violation of league rules regarding uniforms, which are handled separately from physical or verbal infractions.Three Buffalo Bills defensive backs were fined for their involvement in a pregame altercation with some members of the Patriots before their shutout at New England: Robert Blandon ($21,249), Aaron Williams ($12,154) and Nickell Robey-Coleman ($9,115).The trio ttook offense when Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett and wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell jogged through the Bills defensive backs drills for a second time.dddddddddddd Neither Brissett nor Mitchell were fined.Seahawks defensive end Cassius Marsh was fined $18,231 for a facemask-to-facemask hit on Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. On the next play, Jets guard Brian Winters was called for unnecessary roughness for head-butting Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett. Winters left the game with a concussion and was fined $24,309 this week.Also in that game, Jets safety Calvin Pryor ($24,309) was fined for an illegal hit on Seattle receiver Doug Baldwin.Other players fined this week included:-Colts linebacker Curt Maggitt ($9,115), late hit on the quarterback.-Titans center Ben Jones ($9,115), taunting.-Raiders guard Gabe Jackson ($9,115), unnecessary roughness.-Ravens receiver Mike Wallace ($9,115), unnecessary roughness and taunting.-Broncos linebacker Todd Davis ($18,321), horse-collar tackle.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '