Is Patrick Mahomes playing today? Chiefs QB status explored for Week 18 game vs Chargers

With last week's victory, the Kansas City Chiefs nailed down the AFC West and confirmed that they will be the third seed in the conference. Teams often rest their star players in the final game of the regular season when there's nothing to play for, and the Chiefs are expected to do that as well when they face the LA Chargers in Week 18.

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Is Patrick Mahomes playing today?

Patrick Mahomes is inactive today. The Chiefs have decided to let their star quarterback rest this week.

They don't get a bye, so they'll be subjected to the Wild Card round. They'd prefer to have their star players healthy for that, so they're not going to risk anything by letting Mahomes go out on the field.

They're resting a lot of stars much like the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns among others. Mahomes isn't the only notable Chief who won't be on the field, but he's perhaps the most important.

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Fantasy impact on Patrick Mahomes' absence

If you're still playing fantasy football in 2024, this is the final week of your championship. That means it's vital to finish strong and get that win, but it also means you're dealing with absences.

Players like Lamar Jackson and Amari Cooper aren't in their respective teams' lineups for Week 18, which makes things difficult. Patrick Mahomes' absence does, too. Not only does it mean some teams might need another QB, but it also means the Chiefs' offense is impacted as a whole.

Patrick Mahomes is not playing today

Coach Andy Reid mentioned rotating the other guys in as they go, meaning they won't be inactive but will hardly play. This applies to Travis Kelce, Isiah Pacheco and Kadarius Toney.

Furthermore, Rashee Rice is banged up and inactive, so it's best to avoid any Chiefs offensive players this week in fantasy.