Kirk Cousins vs Patrick Mahomes
Who should you start in Week 7? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 7
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Kirk Cousins by 0.2 projected points (16.7 vs 16.5), close enough that either call is defensible.
Kirk Cousins faces LA, the 22nd-friendliest matchup a QB can draw this week. Patrick Mahomes faces SEA, the 21st-friendliest matchup a QB can draw this week.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
This one is a coin flip. The model leans Kirk Cousins by 5.0 points of value over replacement (-1.7 vs -6.7), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The draft market hasn't priced this matchup yet, so treat it as a pure model call.
| Kirk CousinsLVR | Patrick MahomesKAN | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 7 opponent | LA | SEA | |
| Projected Week 7 points | 16.7 | 16.5 | Cousins +0.2 pts |
| Matchup rank (QB vs defense, of 28) | #22 | #21 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 291.2 | 286.2 | Cousins +5.0 pts |
| Points per game | 17.1 | 16.8 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | -1.7 | -6.7 | Cousins +5.0 |
| Overall rank | #75 | #78 | Cousins by 3 |
| Position rank | QB13 | QB15 | |
| Market ADP | - | 104.0 | |
| Typical round (12-team) | - | Rd 9 | |
| Bye week | 13 | 5 |
Should I start Kirk Cousins or Patrick Mahomes in Week 7?
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Kirk Cousins by 0.2 projected points (16.7 vs 16.5), close enough that either call is defensible.
Should I draft Kirk Cousins or Patrick Mahomes in 2026 fantasy football?
Kirk Cousins. He projects 291.2 fantasy points with -1.7 value over replacement, vs 286.2 points and -6.7 for Patrick Mahomes (QB, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.