Malik Willis vs Patrick Mahomes: Who Should You Start?
Patrick Mahomes and Malik Willis are at different tiers heading into 2026. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback averaged 21.2 PPG in 2025, a full 8.4 points per game ahead of Malik Willis's 12.8 with the Miami Dolphins. That kind of gap doesn't close on matchup alone.
A 8.4-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 Malik Willis (422 passing yards, 3 touchdowns). In games where the passing matchup looks ugly, that rushing production can be the entire difference on a start/sit call.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 6 bye. That means you need a backup plan at quarterback for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
