Xavier Worthy Shifts to Stretch Lines for Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs look to refine their offensive attack ahead of the playoffs, a key adjustment has emerged: rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy shifting to “stretch lines” formations. Stretch lines, which emphasize spreading defenders horizontally to create gaps in coverage and running lanes, have become a focal point of the Chiefs’ game plan in recent weeks— and Worthy’s speed, route-running precision, and ability to create separation have made him the ideal fit for the role. Initially used primarily as a deep-threat receiver, Worthy’s move to stretch lines has added a new layer of dynamism to an offense already led by Patrick Mahomes. Xavier Worthy Shifts to Stretch Lines for Kansas City Chiefs explores the reasoning behind this tactical change, how Worthy has adapted his game, the impact on the Chiefs’ passing and running attacks, and why this shift could be critical for their playoff success. For Kansas City, Worthy’s transition isn’t just a positional tweak—it’s a strategic move to maximize one of their most explosive young talents.

Xavier Worthy Shifts to Stretch Lines for Kansas City Chiefs begins with the context behind the tactical shift. The Chiefs’ offense had faced a challenge in recent months: opposing defenses were increasingly stacking the box to stop the running game and focusing on Travis Kelce in the middle of the field, limiting Mahomes’ options. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy recognized that stretch lines— which use wide receivers split wide to pull cornerbacks and safeties toward the sidelines—could create the necessary space. Worthy, selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft for his 4.25-second 40-yard dash speed, was the natural choice to lead this adjustment. “Stretch lines let us use Xavier’s speed to force defenses to make a choice,” Bieniemy explained. “If they cover him with a single defender, he can beat them deep or on quick outs. If they double him, they open up space for Kelce or our running backs. It’s a win-win.” The shift began in Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders, and by Week 15, Worthy was lining up in stretch formations on 65% of his snaps—up from just 20% in the first 12 weeks.

A critical factor in Worthy’s success in stretch lines is his ability to adapt his skill set to the formation’s demands. Unlike deep routes, which rely on straight-line speed, stretch lines require precise route-running—sharp cuts on outs, curls, and slants—to create separation from defenders. Worthy has spent extra time with wide receivers coach Joe Bleymaier refining these routes, focusing on footwork and timing with Mahomes. The results have been clear: in stretch formations, Worthy has a 72tch rate (up from 58% on deep routes) and averages 9.3 yards after the catch, thanks to his ability to turn short passes into longer gains. In Week 14 against the New England Patriots, he caught 5 passes for 78 yards in stretch lines, including a 22-yard gain on a slant route that set up a touchdown. “Xavier didn’t just step into this role—he worked to master it,” Bleymaier said. “He’s learned to read defenders’ hips, adjust his routes on the fly, and find the soft spots in coverage. That’s the difference between a good receiver and a great one.” His speed also remains a threat in stretch lines, as defenders are forced to play closer to the line to prevent short catches—leaving them vulnerable to deep shots if they overcommit.

Xavier Worthy Shifts to Stretch Lines for Kansas City Chiefs also highlights how this adjustment has boosted the Chiefs’ running game, a key secondary benefit. By spreading wide receivers like Worthy to the sidelines, stretch lines pull defensive ends and linebackers outward, creating wider gaps in the offensive line for running backs Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon. Since Worthy’s shift to stretch lines, the Chiefs’ rushing average has jumped from 4.1 yards per carry to 5.3 yards per carry, with Pacheco recording two 100-yard games in that span. In Week 15, the Chiefs rushed for 162 yards against the Patriots, with 87 yards coming through gaps created by stretch formations. “The run game and pass game go hand in hand with stretch lines,” said offensive line coach Andy Heck. “When Xavier and the other receivers pull defenders out wide, our linemen have more room to block, and our running backs have clearer lanes. It’s made our entire offense more balanced.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this balance is crucial—playoff defenses are less likely to be caught off guard if the Chiefs can alternate between effective running and passing attacks, keeping opponents guessing on every down.

Another significant impact of Worthy’s shift is the pressure it takes off Kelce, who had been drawing double teams on nearly 40% of his snaps before the adjustment. With Worthy demanding attention in stretch lines, defenses have been forced to assign single coverage to Kelce more often—freeing him up to make plays in the middle of the field. Since Week 13, Kelce’s catch rate has increased from 63% to 75%, and he’s scored four touchdowns—compared to just two in the first 12 weeks. “Having Xavier step up in stretch lines has been a game-changer for Travis,” Mahomes said. “Defenses can’t focus all their attention on Travis anymore because they have to worry about Xavier beating them on the outside. It opens up so many options for our offense.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, reducing the pressure on Kelce isn’t just about statistics—it’s about keeping their star tight end fresh for the playoffs. Kelce, who is 34, has played nearly 85% of the Chiefs’ offensive snaps this season, and the reduced double teams have let him take fewer hits and conserve energy. Worthy’s emergence in stretch lines has also given Mahomes a reliable second option, reducing the risk of turnovers when defenses focus on Kelce.

Xavier Worthy Shifts to Stretch Lines for Kansas City Chiefs wraps up with the implications of this adjustment for the Chiefs’ playoff hopes—and Worthy’s long-term role with the team. If the stretch lines formation continues to work, it could become a staple of the Chiefs’ playoff offense, allowing them to exploit the speed and coverage weaknesses of teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills. Worthy’s ability to thrive in this role has also solidified his place in the Chiefs’ long-term plans, proving he’s more than just a deep-threat receiver. “Xavier has shown he can be a versatile playmaker,” said head coach Andy Reid. “He’s not limited to one type of route or formation, and that’s what we need from our receivers. He’s only going to get better from here.” For the Kansas City Chiefs organization and fans, Worthy’s shift to stretch lines is a sign of the team’s ability to adapt and maximize their talent—a trait that has defined their success in recent years. In the end, this tactical adjustment isn’t just about winning games in the regular season; it’s about building an offense that can compete for a Super Bowl. With Worthy leading the way in stretch lines, the Chiefs have added another weapon to their arsenal—one that could be the difference between a short playoff run and another championship.