Who Should I Start? Patrick Mahomes or Cameron Ward

Wednesday, August 13, 3:12 PM

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is not likely to play in the team's second preseason game of the year against the Seattle Seahawks on Friday, according to head coach Andy Reid. The two-time NFL MVP played against the Arizona Cardinals last week, throwing one pass for one yard and a touchdown. Needless to say, Mahomes doesn't need to take part in much preseason action to get ready, and it's a bonus for fantasy managers that he will not risk getting injured before Week 1 of the regular season. While Rashee Rice is expected to serve a suspension at the beginning of the year, Kansas City's passing attack could improve in 2025 with Rice, Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, and others taking a step forward. That said, Mahomes is unlikely to finish as a high-end QB1 in fantasy football based on what we've seen over the last two seasons.

Wednesday, August 13, 12:11 PM

Atlanta Falcons reporter Joe Patrick of 929 The Game writes that Tennessee Titans rookie first-round quarterback Cameron Ward looked much better in joint practice with the Falcons on Wednesday and was taking more of what was available underneath while still connecting on some deep shots. Unexpectedly, the first overall pick in this year's NFL draft has been up and down during training camp and in the preseason opener last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 23-year-old Miami product went 5-for-8 for 67 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions against the Bucs in the two drives that he played over the weekend. Most importantly, Ward continues to show a strong connection with receiver Calvin Ridley, who will no doubt be his favorite target in 2025. Ward is a much better long-term gamble in dynasty leagues than he will be in redraft formats for fantasy football.