Geno SmithorPatrick Mahomes?

Week 8 start/sit decision, quarterback versus quarterback.

Our call

Start Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes outscores Geno Smith in 58% of simulations.

Geno Smith still comes out ahead in the other 42%, so Patrick Mahomes is the better bet, not a sure thing. Patrick Mahomes projects 1.4 half-PPR points ahead in Week 8. Geno Smith has the better matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders (8% more than average to QBs); Patrick Mahomes faces the Denver Broncos (11% fewer than average to QBs). Patrick Mahomes still wins more often despite that.

Range of outcomes, half-PPR

Geno Smith
Floor
6.0
Median
13.3
Ceiling
25.1
Big game (25+):
10%
Dud (under 12):
43%
Patrick Mahomes
Floor
8.4
Median
15.1
Ceiling
25.1
Big game (25+):
10%
Dud (under 12):
30%

Each week is simulated thousands of times from the projection and the player’s usual week-to-week swing. Floor and ceiling are the 10th and 90th percentile: 8 weeks in 10 land between them.

StatGeno SmithQB, NYJ, Sun, Nov 1, 1:00 p.m. ETPatrick MahomesQB, KC, Sun, Nov 1, 4:25 p.m. ET
Half-PPR projection14.616.0
PPR projection14.616.0
Standard projection14.616.0
Rank this weekQB16QB13
Matchupvs LVat DEN
InjuryNoneNone
2026 points per game15.016.7
Last season per game11.620.4
Snap share, last game100%100%
Trade value——