Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. went 21-for-38 with 312 yards, two passing scores and an interception during their overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. Penix added five yards and score on his lone carry. After averaging just 212.5 passing yards during the first two games of his career, Penix enjoyed a strong finish to the 2024 campaign, despite falling just short to the Panthers. The Washington product leaned on his top wideout Drake London as he threw to him 18 times. London also brought in both his touchdown passes and finished the day with 187 receiving yards. The 24-year-old has tallied four total touchdowns over his first three NFL games but sits with a 1-2 record, with both of his losses coming in overtime. Fantasy managers should expect Penix to be in the driver's seat to open as the team's starting QB in 2025.
Jan 5, 2025 5:07 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. just needs to take care of the football -- and get some help from the Saints -- in order to send his team to the playoffs. The 24-year-old is 37-for-62 (59.7%) in his two games as starter, with two touchdowns and one interception (that was not his fault). But with a strong ground game that rushed for 200 yards and three scores the last time Atlanta faced Carolina in October, Penix Jr. should be handing the ball off much more than he should be passing it. Not that the Panthers can stop the passing attack, allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing QBs including five TDs last week to Baker Mayfield and even three TDs to Cooper Rush in Week 15. With the friendly matchup and some likely volatility at the QB position in the final week of the regular season with some starters sitting or seeing only limited playing time, the former first-round draft pick sets up as a high-end QB2 on Sunday.
Jan 3, 2025 10:30 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. nearly led his team to a win on Sunday Night Football, getting the team into position for a potential game-winning field goal, but the kick fell short and the Falcons ultimately lost 30-24 to the Commanders in overtime. The former first-round draft pick completed 19-of-35 passes for 223 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Some passes were clearly off-target, but others displayed the 24-year-old's talent level, including the game-tying touchdown pass to Kyle Pitts late in the fourth quarter. The rookie will get a chance to end the season on a high note and send the Falcons -- with some help from the Saints -- to the playoffs with a win against the Panthers in Week 18.
Dec 30, 2024 12:47 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. took over for Kirk Cousins in Week 16 and fared about as well as one could expect from a player making his first NFL start, completing 67% of his passes (18-for-27) and throwing just one interception that was a result of a tipped ball by one of his own receivers, not a poor decision or pass on his part. Although the 24-year-old did not throw a touchdown pass, it wasn't needed with Bijan Robinson rushing for 94 yards and two scores while the defense provided the other two TDs. The 2024 first-round draft pick will take on the Commanders in Week 17, a defense that ranks around the middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to QBs on the season, but has yielded the second-fewest fantasy points to the position over the past four weeks. The matchup takes place in D.C. and with playoff implications for both teams, this contest could prove to be a much stiffer challenge for the rookie quarterback. Fantasy managers looking to lock down fantasy championships will want to look elsewhere for a streaming QB, as Penix Jr. should be viewed as a low-end QB2 in Week 17.
Dec 27, 2024 3:46 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. led the Falcons to victory on Sunday in a 34-7 thrashing of the New York Giants, however, it was the run game and defense that was truly responsible for the win. Penix Jr. was 18-for-27 (67%) for 202 yards, but did not throw a touchdown and he tossed one interception, while the Falcons scored two TDs via the rush and the defense had two pick-sixes. The rookie QB wasn't asked to do too much and didn't really need to; look for more of the same next week when the Falcons take on the Commanders in D.C. in a game with playoff implications for both teams. The Commanders have been solid against the pass but not so much against the run, with one of the most fantasy-friendly rush defenses in the NFL. Saquon Barkley just ran for 150 yards and two scores against them in Week 16, so look for Bijan Robinson to carry the load next Sunday, likely leaving Penix Jr. as a low-end QB2 again in Week 17.
Dec 22, 2024 11:30 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will make his first career start in Week 16 against the New York Giants. The Falcons are heavy favorites in this one, but that is likely more a product of their one-two punch in the backfield of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier rather than a vote of confidence in the young signal-caller's arm. Not that Penix hasn't been on the big stage before or lacks upside; he led the Washington Huskies to the National Championship game this past January, ultimately losing to Michigan, with Atlanta subsequently taking him with the eighth overall selection in the 2024 Draft, so he's got the talent. But, while the Giants have allowed the third-highest completion percentage and have recorded a league-low two interceptions on the season, they've tallied the seventh-most sacks on the year, so Penix could be under pressure despite some things working in his favor. Hopefully the 24-year-old's receivers have quickly got accustomed to a left-hander throwing a football as well, which could make things a little more challenging than usual on Sunday. Whether it does or not, fantasy managers vying for championships who are also looking for a streaming option should look elsewhere as the former first-rounder projects as a risky, low-end QB2 in Week 16.
Dec 20, 2024 10:05 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been named the starting quarterback moving forward, according to head coach Raheem Morris. This news comes a day after the 15-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Kirk Cousins was able to pull together a victory, but has one touchdown and nine interceptions over the last five games. The Falcons playoff hopes are quickly evaporating so they've decided to make a change at quarterback. Penix helped lead the Washington Huskies to an undefeated season and a trip to the National Championship game in 2023. Afterwards, the Falcons used the No. 8 overall selection on Penix in this year's draft. That seemed like an odd decision at the time given they'd just signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. The hope is that a change at quarterback will jumpstart this offense. Penix will get a plus-matchup in his first career start against the New York Giants in Week 16. Although, fantasy managers can't be certain what they'll get right away, which makes Penix a risky streaming choice in the fantasy playoffs.
Dec 17, 2024 9:16 PM EST
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. won't suit up for the team's preseason finale versus Jacksonville. Fortunately, it appears the rookie isn't injured. However, head coach Raheem Morris opted to hold him out of Saturday's matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. With that said, Kirk Cousins (Achilles) won't suit up, meaning Taylor Heinicke and John Paddock will presumably close out the preseason for Atlanta before the club preparers for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Aug 18, 2024 9:43 PM EST
Raheem Morris explained the decision to sit Michael Penix Jr. for today's game by noting that Penix had already shown enough during the first preseason game against Miami. Given his strong performance there, the coaching staff felt it wasn't necessary for him to play today. Although it was surprising that Penix didn't start in Saturday's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, Taylor Heinicke took the helm to showcase his abilities as a potential trade asset for quarterback-needy teams. If the Falcons have a successful season, Penix may not see any meaningful snaps. While it would seem beneficial for Penix to gain game experience, considering his history with knee injuries and his guaranteed spot on the roster, the team likely wants to avoid unnecessary hits. This is positive news for Atlanta's playmakers, who should be well-positioned even if Kirk Cousins has to miss any time.
Aug 17, 2024 4:12 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons rookie first-round quarterback Michael Penix Jr. came onto the field in Baltimore on Saturday in street clothes and appears unlikely to suit up for the preseason contest against the Ravens. The Falcons are planning to hold veteran Kirk Cousins (Achilles) out for the entire preseason, too, so it looks like we'll see a lot of Taylor Heinicke and John Paddock under center for the Falcons on Saturday. In his NFL debut last week in the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, the 24-year-old Penix went 9-for-16 for 104 yards. There's a good chance Atlanta tries to trade Heinicke before the start of the regular season, especially if they're sold on the early development of Penix, so Saturday will give Heinicke a chance to audition for other NFL teams looking for more QB depth. Penix could be the direct backup to Cousins in his first year in the NFL.
Aug 17, 2024 1:12 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for 104 yards in his professional preseason debut Friday night in a 20-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Penix was efficient in tossing the pigskin, going 9-for-16 in pass attempts while completing a game-long 41-yard dime to Chris Blair in-stride. The 2024 first-rounder isn't expected to play much this season, or possibly the next few seasons, with the Falcons signing Kirk Cousins (Achilles) to a four-year $180 million deal this offseason. Penix should see a ton of playing time throughout the preseason, with Cousins not expected to suit up until Week 1.
Aug 10, 2024 2:59 AM EST
SI.com's Albert Breer writes that Atlanta Falcons rookie first-round quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been impressive so far in training camp while running the second-team offense as he heads into his first NFL season as a backup to veteran Kirk Cousins. Penix has looked good getting guys in and out of the huddle and is getting a better feel for progressing to the backside of some of the team's new passing concepts. He has a knack for pushing the ball down the field and has had a handful of wo throws every week. The 24-year-old was a surprise as the eighth overall pick in April's draft after the team signed Cousins in free agency. There's a ton of long-term upside for Penix in fantasy if he can avoid the injury bug, but he'll be off the redraft radar as long as Cousins stays healthy.
Aug 5, 2024 1:20 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has agreed to terms on a four-year, $22.88 million deal that includes a $13.46 million signing bonus, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report. If things play out the way the Falcons hope, the 24-year-old will see limited action for at least the next two seasons while Kirk Cousins leads the offense. The No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is coming off two monster collegiate seasons that included over 9,000 passing yards and 67 passing touchdowns. He should at least be one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL right away, and he is worth stashing in dynasty leagues and Superflex formats in 2024.
Jun 21, 2024 3:58 PM EST
The Atlanta Falcons shocked the world in this year's NFL draft when they took quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at eighth overall despite just signing Kirk Cousins to a big deal in free agency in the offseason. Word spread a week before the draft that the Falcons loved Penix, to the extent that he ranked as high as No. 2 overall at the QB position. The team's brass flew to Seattle to watch Penix throw for a few hours in a private setting on April 5. According to sources, owner Arthur Blank fully endorsed long-term stability at the position. Cousins is 35 years old and coming off a torn Achilles last year, so Penix will give them that long-term stability at the position that Blank was seeking. Atlanta was criticized for the pick since they had plenty of other needs, but they could look smart years down the line when they transition Penix into the starting role.
May 7, 2024 2:14 PM EST
The Atlanta Falcons selected Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night. This is the first real surprise of this year's draft after the Falcons signed quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason. Injuries are the main concern for Penix, but besides that, he showed plenty of long-term upside in his two seasons with the Huskies, culminating in a national championship appearance earlier this year. The 23-year-old lefty will obviously enter his first season in the NFL as a clear backup in Atlanta, but this pick will give the Falcons insurance with Cousins returning from a torn Achilles in 2023. This selection will be debated for a while, especially given all of Atlanta's needs on defense.
Apr 25, 2024 9:10 PM EST
The Las Vegas Raiders are thought to be high on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and if the QB market starts drying up quickly in the first round of Thursday night's NFL draft and they feel the need to trade up in order to avoid being shut out, the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 5 and the Tennessee Titans at No. 7 are two teams that people think are willing to trade down. The Raiders would love to be able to get up high enough to take LSU's Jayden Daniels to reunite him with head coach Antonio Pierce, but they know they might not be able to do that. The Raiders have talked with the Arizona Cardinals about what it would take to trade up to No. 4, but Vegas' interest in that pick would likely cool off significantly if Daniels is among the top three picks, as expected.
Apr 24, 2024 9:06 PM EST
University of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has seemingly been rising draft boards this offseason, and NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that he could enter the discussion to be one of the first four quarterbacks off the board. "It's been assumed the top four QBs are Williams, Daniels, Maye, and McCarthy," Russini wrote "But don't be surprised if Penix enters the discussion come Thursday." Penix, who will be 24 years old during his rookie season, had a monster two-year stretch with Washington after four injury-riddled campaigns at Indiana. In 2022 and 2023, combined, the lefty posted 9,544 passing yards, 67 passing touchdowns, and 67 interceptions. He ran between a 4.51 and 4.57 forty-yard dash at the Huskies' Pro Day, so his 226 career rushing yards might not demonstrate his full rushing ability.
Apr 24, 2024 4:29 PM EST
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is scheduled to have dinner with the New England Patriots' brass and coaching staff on Monday night in Foxboro and has a top-30 visit with the team on Tuesday, according to sources. With the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, the Patriots are looking at all of this year's top quarterbacks not named Caleb Williams, who is expected to be taken first overall by the Chicago Bears. The Washington Commanders are also in the market for a signal-caller and have the second overall pick. If the Commanders and Patriots don't trade back in the first round, the expectation is that QBs will be taken with at least the first three picks in this year's draft. Although Penix's draft stock has risen since his pro day, it would still be a surprise if New England didn't come away with either LSU's Jayden Daniels or North Carolina's Drake Maye with the third overall pick.
Apr 15, 2024 9:05 PM EST
Washington quarterback Michael Penix has been a rising draft prospect since his pro day, and scouts believe in his elite arm talent. The Athletic's Dane Brugler projects the Las Vegas Raiders taking Penix at 13th overall in the first round of this year's NFL draft as an upgrade over both Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell. Penix's health is a polarizing subject in draft circles -- he had four season-ending injuries at Indiana -- but he was healthy for the Huskies and got positive medical evaluations at the scouting combine. "His arm talent is as good as I've ever seen. He can throw every single ball on a rope. I just wanted to blitz him. I felt like he didn't handle pressure as some others. We lived and died by the blitz, but he got his yards," one coach said.
Apr 5, 2024 2:22 PM EST
Washington quarterback Michael Penix has a top-30 visit with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, according to a source. The Raiders currently hold the 13th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft and are looking to upgrade at the position through the draft over second-year signal-caller Aidan O'Connell. The Minnesota Vikings flew out their whole staff for a private workout with Penix in Seattle as well, including head coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Penix's impressive pro day has made him a candidate to sneak into the first 10 picks of this year's draft. In addition to the Vikings and Raiders, the New York Giants, who want some insurance for Daniel Jones (knee), are scheduled to meet with Penix.
Apr 4, 2024 2:10 PM EST