Fantasy Football Player Notes

Could Patrick Mahomes be a bargain in 2024 fantasy drafts? That will be a distinct possibility if enough fantasy managers are scared off by a disappointing 2023 campaign in which Mahomes finished QB8 in fantasy scoring. Mahomes averaged 261.4 passing yards per game last season, the fewest in his six years as the Chiefs' starting quarterback. He also hit a six-year low in yards per attempt (6.9) and touchdown rate (4.0%). Mahomes is too good to have "lost it." The easy explanation is that Mahomes simply didn't have enough pass-catching firepower. Chiefs TE Travis Kelce is 34 and may have reached the slowdown phase of his career. WR Rashee Rice put up good numbers in 2023, but Rice is a non-traditional receiver who had an average depth of target of only 4.8 yards and made his living off schemed-up receptions. Kansas City has added a couple of quality receivers, signing Marquise Brown and spending a first-round pick on Xavier Worthy, so Mahomes should be back in business. We are, after all, talking about a player who's won two MVP awards, has had two 5,000-yard passing seasons and has had a 50-TD season. Mahomes is on the shortlist of the best pure passers to ever play in the NFL. Fade him at your own peril.