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Is Patrick Mahomes starting and playing this week? Should I start or sit Patrick Mahomes for fantasy football in Week 18? Read our start 'em, sit 'em picks.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the top passer in the NFL. However, his days as an elite fantasy football quarterback might be over.
The superstar is still a solid starting option for fantasy players. However, he is the QB10 for the year, averaging 17.7 fantasy points per game after many drafted him as a top-four quarterback.
Will Mahomes play in the Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos?
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Is Patrick Mahomes Starting And Playing This Week?
The Chiefs locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs and a first-round bye with their win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. Head coach Andy Reid said he hasn’t talked with the players about playing in Week 18.
However, many around the NFL believe Kansas City will sit several key starters, including Patrick Mahomes. Even if the superstar quarterback starts on Sunday, Mahomes likely won’t play more than a few series. Therefore, fantasy players should look for replacement options off the waiver wire.
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid said he hasn’t discussed playtime for Week 18 with the team yet and won’t address it until he speaks with them directly.
Leaguewide belief if KC will rest their key starters, including Patrick Mahomes. But nothing has been made official just yet. pic.twitter.com/KPzXklkmJ6
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 30, 2024
Replacement Options Off The Waiver Wire
Russell Wilson is an appealing replacement option for Mahomes in Week 18. The veteran quarterback has played well since taking over as the starter in Week 7, averaging 1.5 passing touchdowns and 16.1 fantasy points per game.
Last week, he scored 17.7 fantasy points in the loss to the Chiefs on Christmas Day, totaling six rushing attempts for 55 yards and a touchdown, setting season-highs in every category. More importantly, Wilson has an excellent matchup on Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Russell Wilson takes it in himself for the Steelers TD!!! 🐝 pic.twitter.com/PW45HabVtL
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 25, 2024
The veteran quarterback had 414 passing yards, three touchdowns, and 26.9 fantasy points in the Week 13 matchup against the division rivals. Furthermore, the Bengals have surrendered 19.4 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this year, the fifth-most in the NFL.
Fantasy players should make Wilson their top priority off the waiver wire in Week 18 if they need a streaming or replacement option at quarterback. This matchup is a must-win for both teams.
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