Can I really bench Mahomes in the semis?

[jobiegermano]

No matter what, I’m probably not going to bench Mahomes, but I traded for him a few weeks ago and he’s not helped my team at all.

Both Baker and Mullens are on the wire. The two winning owners from the quarterfinals started Staff and friggin Browning!

As an exercise, I’m asking you all to see if you can talk me into benching Mahomie. *IF* I were to be convinced, it would be to grab Baker and close my eyes when I pulled the trigger

I had a rough week personally, and I didn’t do my due diligence before the Thu night game, because if I had, I would have started Puka in hopes he’d water down my opponent’s score since he was starting Staff.

Now I’m worried having let almost 20pts waste away on my bench! Would Baker redeem me or sink me?

[TheTroll]

Mahomes and no doubt.

1. Top six QB for the week. Baker and Mullins in the teens.

2. KC playing LV. Matchup is great for Pat.

3. Playing on Monday. Just like you sitting for some time after Thursday, your opponent will have to sit there knowing you got Pat Mahomes in your pocket come Monday.

[Gator Sens]

Mahomes has a great matchup and while he has been a bit disappointing, I think you still roll him. Mayfield has been solid but overall, so has Mahomes...just not spectacular.

Also, I hope all is okay with you, sorry for the tough week.

[jobiegermano]

Mahomes and no doubt.

1. Top six QB for the week. Baker and Mullins in the teens.

2. KC playing LV. Matchup is great for Pat.

3. Playing on Monday. Just like you sitting for some time after Thursday, your opponent will have to sit there knowing you got Pat Mahomes in your pocket come Monday.

I love that last line!

[moishetreats]

I don't know why this is a crazy question.

-Since Week 11, Mayfield has outscored Mahomes.
-The Raiders have given up 23.5+ points (depending on scoring systems) to a QB once all year; the Jaguars have done it in four of the past six games (with Levis QBing one of the games they didn't, and Jackson scoring 20.54 in the other).
-TB has better pass-catching weapons than KC.

If you really think that Mayfield will be better, then start him. It's not as if you're taking a huge underdog and making a bet. This is almost pretty even in terms of projected points. Remove the names from the QBs, and I think it's a toss-up.

With things like this, I often let my decision come down to whether or not I'd be more pissed if Mahomes were on my bench and he went off or if Mayfield had a huge game and I didn't trust my gut. Kind of avoidance beating myself up since in the end there's only so much you can control.

Bottom line: I think Mahomes vs. Mayfield is a real consideration.

[abloom]

Look, benching mahommes last week was a good idea. Benching him this week is not. He's up against a much weaker defense

[wickerkat1212]

Always start your studs.

[The.Big.Spank]

Always start your studs.

Thats my motto too.

[wickerkat1212]

Always start your studs.

Thats my motto too.

The minute you don't, they will go OFF.

[Oddball456]

I had the same question but with Kelce vs starting Njoku. I also traded for Kelce mid season but he hasn't been great since. I ended up rolling with Kelce for the same reasons mentioned about Mahomes, I would have felt a lot worse if Kelce goes off and Njoku did early season Njoku stuff I would have been bummed since I got "too cute" with it.

[tsarpepe]

The advice in this thread didn't really age well, but I'd start Mahomes next time in this situation regardless.

[Oddball456]

I have changed my mind. I am planning to bench Kelce in place of Njoku next week in the championship. Mahomes is not a must start option.

[abloom]

I mean atleast cincis defense is worst than las Vegas.

Maybe next week we can go mahommes.

Team #3 In sig I need to start mahommes I think. Teams 1-3 also probably need to start kelce.

[BigBawseRoss]

wishing i benched purdy for freaking carr lol

[murphysxm]

Look, benching mahommes last week was a good idea. Benching him this week is not. He's up against a much weaker defense

Not trying to be revisionist since the game occurred, but have you not paid attention to the Raiders defense the last couple of months? They have been AWESOME since McDaniels was washed from this team.