Who Should I Start? Patrick Mahomes or Malik Willis


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
22.5 17.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

Patrick Mahomes News

Patrick Mahomes Practicing in Full Ahead of Season Opener

Thursday, September 10, 1:40 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs listed quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) as a full participant in their first official practice of the week on Thursday, paving the way for him to start on Monday night in the Week 1 season opener at home against the division-rival Denver Broncos. Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL on Dec. 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers, but he recovered quickly in the offseason and was essentially a full-go for the start of training camp at the end of July, although KC held him out of all three preseason games. The 30-year-old two-time MVP and three-time Super Bowl MVP is not expected to be limited at all from a playbook perspective as the Chiefs look to bounce back after missing the playoffs entirely in 2025. However, head coach Andy Reid could be mindful of any designed running plays for the QB, and for fantasy purposes, he will be a low-end QB2 option in the season opener against the Broncos defense, which led the league in sacks in 2025. Mahomes will also have his blind side protected by an undrafted rookie offensive tackle who will be making his NFL debut.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
20.1 27.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

Malik Willis News

Malik Willis Could Offer Late-Round Value

Tuesday, September 8, 2:27 PM

Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis will get a chance to show what he can do against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1. The 27-year-old will get an opportunity to be a full-time starter after playing sparingly throughout his first four seasons in the league. The Dolphins haven't set Willis up for success with one of the worst receiving rooms in the league. They have superstar running back De'Von Achane, but this offense will likely struggle no matter who is under center. Rotoballer currently has Willis ranked at QB20, but Willis has the potential to be better than that. Given his lack of viable targets, Willis could be asked to use his legs to pick up first downs. He might be worth a late-round gamble, with there being some upside of a dual-threat quarterback.


Patrick Mahomes vs. Malik Willis

Still trying to decide between Mahomes and Willis? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Patrick Mahomes is projected to score 22.5 points this week while Malik Willis is projected to score 20.1 points.