O.K., folks. It pains me to write this, but…. Patrick Mahomes is a bust. A fantasy bust, that is. Let’s face it, for the draft capital you used to get him, Mahomes just simply hasn’t delivered.
Currently, the reigning Super Bowl MVP ranks eighth in fantasy points for the season. By comparison, Dak Prescott is the QB3, Brock Purdy is the QB5, C.J. Stroud is the QB6 and Sam Howell is the QB7. All of those signal-callers were available in late rounds or on the waiver wire.
By contrast, Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts, the QB1 and QB2, respectively, have returned value for their draft-day capital.
Across the past six games, Mahomes has only delivered more than 20 fantasy points once, and he has just one top 10 finish in that span. This week, with the fantasy postseason starting, he faces the Patriots, who have allowed an average of only 17.9 fantasy points per game to opposing QBs this season, fifth-fewest in the league.
Of course, Mahomes is an elite talent and he always has the chance for a big week, but how much are you willing to bet on it?
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Whether it’s his receivers, the system, or…ahem… the officials, it doesn’t really matter. In a must-win week of fantasy football, it’s time to at least consider leaving Mahomes on your bench. Of course, proceed with caution, but it's worth a conversation.
I’ve chosen five signal-callers that could reasonably be better options than Mahomes as your starting QB for the fantasy playoffs. These passers might be on your bench or in some leagues they may still be available on the waiver wire. It’s going to get ugly, so buckle up.
Matthew Stafford, Rams
I had Stafford on my watch list of quarterbacks to consider for the fantasy playoffs, so hopefully you already stashed him. Stafford has put up three consecutive weeks of 23-plus fantasy points, finishing as the QB8 or better in each of those weeks, and he has no shortage of weapons. Cooper Kupp is looking back to himself after last Sunday, and Puka Nacua is on pace to eclipse Justin Jefferson’s rookie receiving record. Add to that the threat of the run game with a healthy Kyren Williams, and Stafford suddenly looks like a must-start. But, the best part? This week, the Rams face off with the Commanders. No team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season than Washington.
Brock Purdy, 49ers
There’s no way Purdy is still on your waiver wire, but it is possible you picked him up early in the season to cover your bye weeks. Purdy has finished in the Top 12 eight times this season, including in Week 4, when he finished as the QB11 vs. Arizona. Purdy has been even better since then, and with a healthy team that includes a red-hot Deebo Samuel and an unstoppable Christian McCaffrey, there are plenty of reasons to consider starting Purdy vs. Arizona this weekend. Purdy has finished as a top 6 QB in four of the last five starts.
Jordan Love, Packers
O.K., O.K.. Love has been hot and cold this season and in his last start he finished as the QB22, but in the previous four starts, he finished as a Top 12 option, tossing 10 touchdown passes in that span. He looks better with Christian Watson on the field, so if Watson is a go, it could be worth the gamble to start Love, who is facing off with the Buccaneers. No team has allowed more passing yards across the last eight contests than the Tampa Bay (2,352). Love has 23 passing touchdowns this season -- an exact tie with Mahomes.
Russell WIlson, Broncos
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If you’ve been stashing Wilson, you’ve probably noticed that he has offered a solid floor all season long. No, he’s not passing for a lot of volume, but he has been highly efficient, and he’s been using his legs more and more. WIlson’s 23 passing touchdowns are tied with Love and Mahomes, but Wilson has only eight interceptions while Love and Mahomes each have 11. Wilson’s 318 rushing yards rank eighth at the position and he also has two rushing scores. This week’s matchup with the Lions is a juicy one, too. The Lions have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing QBs across the last eight weeks of play. That includes 13 passing touchdowns and the most rushing yards allowed to the position (322). Wilson has only finished with single-digit fantasy points once this season.
Jake Browning, Bengals
I know what you’re thinking: Now you’ve really jumped the shark, Jen. But, hear me out. Jake Browning followed up his incredible Week 13 QB4 finish in prime time with a three total touchdown (one rushing) and 275 passing yard performance for another QB4 finish vs. Indianapolis in Week 14. Browning is surrounded by elite weapons, much like Stafford, and his matchup is excellent this week. Despite last week’s low-scoring affair, the Vikings have allowed an average of nearly 20 points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season. The best part? He could be on your waiver wire right now.
Honorable mentions: Joe Flacco and Kyler Murray
