Fantasy Football: Patrick Mahomes dealing with illness, expected to play in Week 8

The inactives for the early round of games were just announced and there was at least one surprise that fantasy football managers will need to take notes of. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Patrick Mahomes is reportedly dealing with an illness but is still expected to play. Rapoport did mention that the Chiefs' starting quarterback is better today than he was yesterday.

This is noteworthy as last week Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was also dealing with an illness but that wasn't really known until halftime. He would finish the game with only 11 snaps and had one carry for three yards.

While not all illness is the same and the two play very different positions, the expectations for Patrick Mahomes this week will need to be tempered. The combination of an illness, along with the game being impacted by snow, makes what should be a great matchup against the Denver Broncos not as appealing.

Should you bench Patrick Mahomes in fantasy football in Week 8?

The simple answer is probably no as Mahomes, at even 75% against the Broncos, is still probably better than most options. However, for teams that might have drafted Jared Goff or Kirk Cousins as a backup, the decision may not be as simple.

Goff has been playing like a Top 10 quarterback this season in fantasy football and that is one player I would probably start over Mahomes with the news this morning.

In addition to Mahomes, expectations for Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice should be lower as the Chiefs probably don't throw as much against the Broncos. However, running back Isiah Pacheco could be in line for a bigger role in this game and have a chance to finish Top 10 at his position. He is probably the one player I am starting with the most confidence this week against the Denver Broncos.