Mac Jones 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 Mac Jones managed 12.4 across 11 games with the San Francisco 49ers. A 8.8-point weekly edge is substantial at the quarterback position.
A 8.8-PPG gap gives Patrick Mahomes the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Patrick Mahomes offers meaningful rushing upside with 422 yards on the ground in 2025, which separates his floor from a pocket passer like Mac Jones (2151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns). In games where the passing matchup looks ugly, that rushing production can be the entire difference on a start/sit call.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Mac Jones sits Week 9 while Patrick Mahomes is off Week 6. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
