Huddle Up: Mahomes is recovering from a torn left anterior cruciate ligament sustained in a December 2025 game against the Los Angeles Chargers and appears to be trending towards being able to play in the team's season opener versus the Denver Broncos Sept. 14. However, the Chiefs could bring him along slowly as they look to establish the run more, following the team's offseason signing of former Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker. Mahomes is still worthy of consideration as a starting option in two-quarterback fantasy leagues or deeper one-quarterback leagues but should not be selected as soon as he was in previous years' drafts.

Huddle Up: Mahomes is trending toward being ready to start the season with the Chiefs, but that doesn't mean fantasy players should be clamoring over him. The team is looking to establish the run more, and he is likely going to be brought along slowly. He is worth a target in two QB leagues, or in deeper leagues as a starter. Otherwise, this may be the one year to avoid him until very late in drafts.

Huddle Up: Mahomes reposted the video with a clock emoji, wearing a large brace on his left leg. He is less than 5 1/2 months out after suffering a torn ACL on December 14, 2025 against the Chargers and should be considered questionable for the 2026 opener.

Huddle Up: Fantasy managers, especially in keeper leagues, wouldn't mind seeing him take it easy and not push it early in the offseason. He is aiming for Week 1, but that remains to be seen if he can make such a miraculous recovery after a late-season torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. Mahomes is worth drafting in the middle rounds, but be sure to have alternates at the ready in case he isn't available in the regular-season opener.

Huddle Up: The Chiefs will likely be cautious with Mahomes, so he is unlikely to do much until training camp. He can be a low-end No. 1 quarterback in fantasy leagues this upcoming season, but fantasy players will need a strong backup in case is not available early in the season.

Huddle Up: Mahomes is trying to return for the regular-season opener, but it remains to be seen if that's realistic, and whether the team wants to play it safe. Justin Fields was brought in as insurance, in case Mahomes isn't ready for the start of the season. Mahomes is a very risky fantasy pick in 2026, but as a selection in the middle to late rounds, he is worth a roll of the dice. Just make sure to have another alternative at the ready until Mahomes is starting on a regular basis without any issues.

Huddle Up: Mahomes suffered his injuries late in the regular season, so it's reasonable to believe he'll miss time going into 2026. However, all indications are there he is pushing for a Week 1 return. He could be a low-end QB1 on draft day in most fantasy leagues, but you'll want to have plenty of depth on hand just in case he is forced to the PUP to being 2026.

Huddle Up: Mahomes' salary cap number in each of the next four seasons will now rise by $10.89 million per year. His cap number for 2027 will now be over $85 million. They will eventually have to sign him to a new deal to make this manageable. All else has been mum as Mahomes recovers from a torn ACL and LCL and eyes a Week 1 return. He'll be a midrange QB1 that could slip into the QB8-10 range in drafts for the first time in his career.

Huddle Up: Mahomes is unlikely to do anything during offseason workouts, so fantasy players will need to check on his status during training camp to see if he will be ready for the start of the regular season. He will likely be a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 quarterback in leagues next season.

Huddle Up: It's pretty uncommon to undergo surgery so soon to repair an ACL as you usually have to allow swelling to subside first. So you can tell Mahomes' mind is set on Week 1. Whether or not that is possible is still unknown. He'll be a midrange QB1 option in next year's drafts with some risk. As for the rest of this season, Gardner Minshew will be a matchup play in two-QB leagues or superflex leagues. The Tennessee Titans are the second-best matchup for QBs the last five weeks.