If the Roto Street Journal had one “Poster Boy” for 2018, it’d be Patrick Mahomes. He made The Wolf look far smarter than he actually is by completing 15-of-27 throws for 256 yards and 4 TDs and 0 INTs, all while adding 21 yards on the ground. More importantly, Mahomes and Tyreek Hill maintained their scorching Preseason Rapport, as the pair hooked up for a 7-of-8, 169 yard, 2 TD line, while Hill also added a 91 yard punt return. These numbers are even gaudier when compared to “WR Competition” Sammy Watkins, who hauled in 3-of-5 targets for a meager 21 yards.
Hopefully you read our Preseason Wrap Up. Including preseason, Hill has been in on 104 first team snaps as compared to 118 for Watkins. Yet, the production differential is staggering:
Hill: 21 receptions on 24 targets (87.5%) for 352 yds and 3 TDs
Watkins: 3 catches on 12 targets (25%) for 35 yds, 0 TDs and 1 INT
Simply put, Hill is a dominant WR1 who fell to Round 3 in drafts for needless volume concerns. This 2018 chemistry and usage is even better than last year, where Hill shocked the world (other than us) and finished as the No.4 WR in Standard Leagues. He could threaten for No.1 overall status, and would deserve Round 1 consideration if drafting today.
Meanwhile, Mahomes, the engine of this attack, looked as deadly as predicted. He flashed the cannon arm on his 59-yard TD bomb to Hill. He bought extra time in the pocket all night. He benefited from the cheap points that come from Andy Reid‘s love for shovel passes in the Red Zone. Plus, Mahomes was used plenty on designed runs and QB-options. RotoWorld apparently hasn’t subscribed fully yet, suggesting he “could rapidly become an every-week QB1.” We’ve locked him into this status this since January, and Mahomes only validated our faith. Mahomes could genuinely threaten for elite Top-5 status considering his natural talent, the creative play-calling, and this explosive weaponry. My QB9 entering the year, Mahomes rises to my QB5 in my “Rest of Season Rankings,” with Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees as the only clear options to go before him.
