The first week of the fantasy playoffs has come and gone. For those of us still in the game, we know the challenges that lie ahead. With the NFL scheduling getting a bit odd around Christmas, it's tough to assess the severity of injuries with such short notice. This could lead teams to rest their star players in an effort to preserve them for the postseason. One such star, Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes, suffered an ankle injury late in his team's win over the Cleveland Browns. With the Chiefs set to play two more games in the next 11 days, there's a question of whether he'll be on the bench. How does this affect our rosters? And who should we pick up to replace him? Let's find out.

Uncover the Hidden Gems for Fantasy Football Week 16

RB Jerome Ford - Cleveland Browns

In the Browns' loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Jerome Ford didn't get more carries than Nick Chubb. However, he outperformed Chubb in several ways. Ford was more efficient with his carries, was used more in the passing game, and found the end zone. Although he's not the main back in the Browns' offense, he's put up at least seven points in three straight weeks. And with Chubb's injury, there's a good chance Ford will take the lead role immediately in Week 16. Over his last three games, Ford has averaged just under six yards per carry on 26 attempts. Chubb, on the other hand, has averaged under 3.8 yards on 29 carries in the same span. It's clear that Ford's time to shine is coming.Another aspect to consider is Ford's potential for increased volume. As he continues to prove his value to the struggling Cleveland offense, his carries are likely to go up. This could lead to even more points and a significant boost to our fantasy teams.

RB Ty Johnson - Buffalo Bills

While James Cook and Ray Davis handle the majority of the rushing work, Ty Johnson might be the leading pass-catcher in the Buffalo Bills' backfield. On Sunday against Detroit, he had multiple receptions over 20 yards and has scored double-digit PPR fantasy points in two straight games. This shows his ability to make an impact in the passing game, which can be crucial in fantasy football.Johnson's performance gives him a good chance of seeing more playing time and getting more touches. As the Bills' offense continues to evolve, he could become an important piece in our fantasy lineups.

WR Keon Coleman - Buffalo Bills

Keon Coleman was on a roll earlier in the season, scoring 34.5 points between Weeks 7 and 8. But then he got injured and missed four games. During that time, no other receiver for the Bills was able to step up and become Allen's No. 1 target. Now that Coleman is getting healthier, it's time to bet on the second-round rookie getting increased passing volume over Khalil Shakir.Coleman's past performance shows that he has the potential to be a dominant receiver. With his return, he could bring a new dimension to the Bills' offense and provide a significant boost to our fantasy teams.

WR Wan'Dale Robinson - New York Giants

Wan'Dale Robinson has struggled to score double-digit fantasy points in four straight games, but he's still getting a lot of volume. Over the last two weeks, he's earned 20 targets. In fantasy football, volume is king, and eventually, those targets will turn into production.Although the quarterbacks throwing the ball have been Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito, which can be tough, Robinson's volume gives him a good chance of breaking out and delivering big fantasy points. We just need to have a little faith in him.

QB Aaron Rodgers - New York Jets

After a 30-point performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Aaron Rodgers' schedule doesn't get much tougher. He'll face a Los Angeles Rams' defense that has given up 20 points per game to opposing quarterbacks. This ranks outside the top-20 in the NFL, which is good news for Rodgers and our fantasy teams.Rodgers has been playing at a high level and is likely to continue his success. With a favorable matchup ahead, he could be a key player in our fantasy lineups.

WR Quentin Johnston - Los Angeles Chargers

While Ladd McConkey has established himself as Justin Herbert's top target, Quentin Johnston has been very solid for most of the year. He's scored a touchdown in two straight games, has at least 10 PPR points in 5 of his last 7 contests, and has earned at least five targets in 5 of his last 7.Johnston's consistency and ability to make plays make him a valuable option in fantasy football. He's a player to keep an eye on as the Chargers' offense continues to perform.

TE Brenton Strange - Jacksonville Jaguars

Although Brian Thomas Jr. stole the headlines with over 100 yards and two touchdowns, Brenton Strange actually led the Jaguars in receptions with 11. With Evan Engram out for the season, Strange should continue to see a solid workload.Strange's performance shows that he's a reliable option at the tight end position. He could provide some much-needed points in our fantasy lineups.

WR Jalen McMillan - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Many people expected Jalen McMillan to take off as soon as Mike Evans got injured in Week 7. It took a while, but McMillan has finally established a role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense. He's earned at least seven targets in each of the last two games and has three touchdowns in that span.McMillan's recent performance makes him a worthy addition to our fantasy teams. He's shown that he can be a reliable target and a source of points.