Who Should I Start? Patrick Mahomes or Sam Darnold

Thursday, June 11, 4:40 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) are both "leaning into this Week 1 possibility" that he'll be ready to go for the first Monday night game of the 2026 season against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Mahomes has made great progress this offseason while recovering from surgery to fix ACL and LCL tears that he suffered on Dec. 14 last year against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 30-year-old two-time MVP has been taking part in seven-on-seven drills during offseason workouts, but the next step will be for him to be cleared for contact and to participate in 11-on-11 team drills. Running and cutting will be a focal point for Mahomes over the next weeks and months as he attempts to regain his patented mobility. Head coach Andy Reid is optimistic that Mahomes will progress in training camp next month, and Mahomes would like to get a dress rehearsal during the preseason to test his surgically-repaired knee. KC added Justin Fields as insurance at the position, but all signs are pointing to Mahomes being ready for the regular-season opener. Nobody should be doubting Mahomes at this point in his career, but fantasy managers should also be tempering expectations as he returns from a major knee injury. It's best to target Mahomes as a high-end QB2 in 2026 fantasy drafts.