Patrick Mahomes

Week 1 vs. Baltimore Ravens

For the second straight year, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs will open at home on Opening Night as defending Super Bowl champions. Last year, the Detroit Lions spoiled the party. This time, it's the Baltimore Ravens coming to Arrowhead. As for Mahomes, he'll get his first chance to test the waters with one of his new deep threats in rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy. He'll have to wait on Hollywood Brown, who is out with a shoulder injury.

Mahomes will face a stringy Ravens defense that added speed in the defensive backfield with rookie Nate Wiggins to go along with Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton. But this is still Patrick Mahomes we're talking about. As last year's playoffs proved, never bet against No. 15. He's a QB1 in fantasy. He may not be top option, but he is still a top option.

Week 17 vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Chiefs offense struggled last week, but Patrick Mahomes salvaged a poor day with a nice late-game drive that resulted in a score. Mahomes finished the day with 235 pass yards, one touchdown and an interception. He also added a season-high 53 yards on the ground. Mahomes hasn't fully looked like himself lately. In his last four games, he's averaging 255.3 pass yards with a 5-5 TD-INT ratio. But this week he draws a favorable matchup against the Bengals (24th aFPA) in what should be a bounce back game. Over the past four weeks, the Bengals have given up the 6th-most average fantasy points to QBs. Mahomes should still be viewed as a top five option at QB in Week 17.

Week 15 at New England Patriots

Patrick Mahomes had an OK outing last week, throwing for 271 yards with one touchdown and an interception. He nearly had another touchdown at the end of the game, but you might have heard about an offensive offsides call. Mahomes has struggled a bit in recent weeks with lower yardage totals and turnovers. From Week 8 through Week 14 he's QB19 in total scoring, only above Tommy DeVito at QB20. He'll look to bounce back this week as he faces the Patriots (17th aFPA). Mahomes still has an incredibly high ceiling, which we've seen at times this season. He's also been just one drop or penalty short of a big play in multiple games this year. He should still be viewed as a top five option at his position in Week 15.