Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is back in the lineup for Week 1, making his first game appearance since suffering a torn ACL late last season. This isn’t just any comeback, though. Mahomes is diving straight into the deep end, kicking off the 2026 season at home against a loaded Denver Broncos defense. Despite the tough matchup and the serious injury he’s returning from, fantasy football managers need to pay attention, because the Chiefs superstar was still QB2 overall in fantasy points per game last season. You can temper those sky-high expectations just a bit for Week 1, but there’s no way you’re sitting a player who still put up those kinds of numbers. He’s a straight-up start.
Kelce and Rice: Mahomes’ Must-Have Targets Against the Broncos
To get off to a strong start, Mahomes will definitely need his top weapons firing on all cylinders. That means Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice are going to be absolutely crucial against that Broncos D. Kelce, at 36 years old, might be “long in the tooth” and not quite the player he was in his absolute prime, but don’t get it twisted. He still ranked as TE3 overall last season, which keeps him firmly in the elite tight end conversation for fantasy. More importantly, he remains Mahomes’ most trusted target, especially down near the goal line where every yard and every point matters. Even in what’s projected to be a tough matchup, Kelce is a flat-out must-start. You just don’t bench that kind of reliability.
Then there’s Rashee Rice, who’s stepping back into his role as the Chiefs’ No. 1 wide receiver. If you needed another reason to pencil him into your starting lineup, consider this: he finished as WR5 overall in fantasy points per game in 2025. That’s elite company, folks! Until someone proves otherwise, Rice is an every-week starting option, no matter who the Chiefs are playing. The guy puts up numbers, and you want those numbers on your team.
What Week 1 Means for Your Roster
So, what does this all mean for your fantasy team’s Week 1 battle? It means you’re rolling with the Chiefs’ big three. Mahomes is coming off a serious injury and a down season by his own insane standards, but his history as QB2 in fantasy points per game tells you everything. You just can’t bench that kind of upside, even if you’re holding your breath a little. Kelce, despite his age, is still a top-tier fantasy tight end and Mahomes’ go-to guy. You’re starting him, full stop. And Rice, as the WR1 who was WR5 overall last year? Absolutely in your lineup.
Your Week 1 matchup hinges on getting these kinds of proven playmakers into your starting roster. Don’t overthink it. Deploy Mahomes, Kelce, and Rice and let them show you what they can do as the Chiefs kick off their season. Your fantasy glory for 2026 starts right here.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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