Who Should I Start? Patrick Mahomes or Taylor Heinicke

Monday, December 9, 10:24 AM

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 24 of 37 pass attempts (65%) for 210 yards and a touchdown in the 19-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The matchup against the Chargers was difficult for Mahomes as he was sacked three times and did not score a touchdown in the entire second half. That said, the Chiefs did just enough to secure the win and the division. The 29-year-old had his worst fantasy performance since Week 7 against the 49ers when he passed for 154 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. Mahomes will look to bounce back from a statistical standpoint next week against the Cleveland Browns, who rank 17th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks this season. The hope is that Jameis Winston will push the tempo on the other side of the ball and force the Chiefs offense to score more points. Fantasy managers will have to hope Mahomes leaves this lackluster performance in the rearview mirror.

Wednesday, August 28, 8:22 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers are acquiring quarterback Taylor Heinicke from the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. Not only is starting quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) recovering from plantar fasciitis in his foot, but backup Easton Stick regressed in training camp and the preseason. The 31-year-old Heinicke will be an upgrade at the QB position behind Herbert entering the regular season next week. In Atlanta, the Falcons were expected all along to try and trade Heinicke after taking rookie Michael Penix Jr. in the first round in April. Heinicke made his NFL debut back in 2017 with the Houston Texans and has appeared in 38 games (29 starts) since then with four different teams. His best year came in 2021 with Washington, when he threw for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 picks on 321 pass attempts over 16 games (15 starts).