Patrick Mahomes vs Tua Tagovailoa: 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 Tua Tagovailoa managed 12.6 across 14 games with the Atlanta Falcons. A 8.6-point weekly edge is substantial at the quarterback position.
That 8.6-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 Tua Tagovailoa (2660 passing yards, 20 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: Patrick Mahomes sits Week 6 while Tua Tagovailoa is off Week 12. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
