J.J. McCarthy vs Patrick Mahomes: Who Should You Start?
The numbers tell a clear story here. Patrick Mahomes put up 21.2 fantasy points per game for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025, while J.J. McCarthy managed 13.7 across 10 games with the Minnesota Vikings. A 7.5-point weekly edge is substantial at the quarterback position.
That 7.5-point weekly advantage for Patrick Mahomes is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
Patrick Mahomes offers meaningful rushing upside with 422 yards on the ground in 2025, which separates his floor from a pocket passer like J.J. McCarthy (1632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns). In games where the passing matchup looks ugly, that rushing production can be the entire difference on a start/sit call.
Both share a Week 6 bye, which matters for roster construction. If you are stacking quarterbacks this deep on your bench, plan your replacement quarterback early.
