Fantasy football start or sit Week 1: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice

1 hour ago 2

The Kansas City Chiefs will open up their 2026 season at home against the Denver Broncos and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, wide receiver Rashee Rice and tight end Travis Kelce will all be in the lineup.

Mahomes is playing his first game since suffering a torn ACL late last season, but he is not getting an easy jumping off point against a loaded Broncos defense.

If Mahomes is going to get off to a strong start, he's going to need as much as possible out of Kelce and Rice.

All that said, should any of these three players be deployed into your fantasy football lineup in Week 1?

Here's what we think.

Patrick Mahomes start or sit advice

Mahomes had a down season for his standards in 2025, and this is his first game back from a torn ACL, and it comes against an elite defense.

Despite all that, you still need to start him after the Chiefs superstar ranked as QB2 overall in fantasy points per game last season, according to Fantasy Pros.

Temper expectations, though.

Verdict: Start

Travis Kelce start or sit advice

Yes, Kelce is long in the tooth at 36 years old and, yes, he isn't the same player he once was.

However, he's also coming off a season in which he ranked as TE3 overall, keeping him in the conversation as an elite tight end option in fantasy football.

Kelce also remains Mahomes' most trusted target and he should continue to be heavily involved, especially near the goal line.

Even in a tough matchup, Kelce remains a must-start player.

Verdict: Start