Patrick Mahomes

Has the magic worn off? Mahomes has now finished with 273 yards or less in four of his last five games (though one was abbreviated due to injury), something that didn't happen in the first five games of the season. He's also thrown just 0-1 touchdowns in five of his last seven games. Now they head into a matchup with the Patriots in what could be a preview of the AFC Championship match. The Patriots are coming off a game in which they allowed Deshaun Watson and the Texans combine for 234 yards and four touchdowns through the air in Week 13. That was an interesting game because there were many factors involved, including half of the Patriots being sick and needing to fly on a different plane after not practicing all week. However, for those who've said to wait until the Patriots got some real competition, we've watched Lamar Jackson and Watson both finish as top-three quarterbacks against them. They still rank No. 1 in completion percentage (55.1) and touchdown percentage (1.78), while ranking No. 2 in yards per attempt (5.65). Mahomes has played the Patriots twice over the last 13 months. In those games, he's thrown for 352 yards and four touchdowns, and then 295 yards and three touchdowns. You cannot let the matchup scare you off Mahomes, as the Patriots man coverage scheme just doesn't match-up well with the Chiefs speed on offense. Start him as a QB1.

Patrick Mahomes posts rushing touchdown in win over Raiders

Patrick Mahomes completed 15-of-29 passes for 175 yards and one touchdown in the Chiefs' 40-9 win over the Raiders Sunday. He rushed three times for 25 yards and one touchdown.

Fantasy Impact

It was a quiet game for Mahomes but still solid due to a rushing score. He is a must-start for the fantasy playoffs.