Matthew Stafford vs Patrick Mahomes: Who Should You Start?
This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Matthew Stafford finished the 2025 season at 21.1 PPG over 17 games with the Los Angeles Rams, while Patrick Mahomes clocked in at 21.2 across 14 appearances for the Kansas City Chiefs. A 0.1-point gap means any given week could go either way.
With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.
Patrick Mahomes offers meaningful rushing upside with 422 yards on the ground in 2025, which separates his floor from a pocket passer like Matthew Stafford (4707 passing yards, 46 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.
