Trusting Patrick Mahomes: A Fantasy Football Perspective
As we dive into Week 9 of the NFL season, fantasy football managers are once again faced with the question: Can we trust Patrick Mahomes as our No. 1 quarterback? The answer, especially with his upcoming matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leans towards a resounding yes.
A Promising Matchup
The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Buccaneers, who have been generous to opposing quarterbacks this season. Currently, Tampa Bay ranks second in most fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. This statistic is crucial for fantasy managers looking for a reliable signal-caller. In recent weeks, quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Lamar Jackson have exploited this weakness, each scoring over 36 fantasy points against the Buccaneers. With Mahomes at the helm, there’s a strong possibility he could follow suit.
Recent Performance: A Mixed Bag
Mahomes’ performance this season has been a rollercoaster ride. In Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he showcased his potential, racking up 22.2 fantasy points with 262 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, along with 17 rushing yards. However, prior to that game, Mahomes struggled, scoring 15 fantasy points or less in three consecutive outings. This inconsistency has left many fantasy managers frustrated, especially considering that he’s averaging just 16.7 fantasy points per game this season.
Despite the Chiefs’ undefeated record, Mahomes has not lived up to the lofty expectations set for him. With eight touchdowns and nine interceptions, his performance has been puzzling. The revolving door of his receiving corps, due to injuries to key players like Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice, and JuJu Smith-Schuster, has certainly contributed to his struggles.
The Impact of DeAndre Hopkins
The recent addition of DeAndre Hopkins could be a game-changer for Mahomes. After being traded from the Tennessee Titans, Hopkins had a quiet debut in Week 8, managing only two catches for 29 yards on three targets. However, with a full week of practice under his belt, he should be more integrated into the offense this week. Alongside Travis Kelce and emerging talent Xavier Worthy, Mahomes has the potential to field a formidable receiving corps that could exploit the Buccaneers’ defense.
The Outlook for Week 9
Given the favorable matchup against Tampa Bay and the potential for Mahomes to have a full arsenal of weapons at his disposal, he is positioned as a low-end No. 1 fantasy quarterback this week. The combination of a weak opposing defense and the return of key offensive players makes this an opportune moment for Mahomes to regain his form.
Fantasy managers should feel optimistic about starting Mahomes this week. While his season has been marked by inconsistency, the stars seem to be aligning for a breakout performance. If he can capitalize on the Buccaneers’ vulnerabilities, Mahomes could very well deliver a fantasy performance that reminds everyone why he was once considered a top-tier quarterback.
As we prepare for the weekend’s games, keep an eye on the injury reports and the latest updates from practice. The fantasy landscape can change rapidly, and being informed will help you make the best decisions for your lineup.