Who Should I Start? Derek Carr or Michael Penix Jr.

Monday, April 28, 1:37 PM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder), who has been staying in contact with team officials, said he has gotten an MRI exam and everyone is trying to figure out his next step. There have been rampant rumors that Carr is using his shoulder injury to try and force his way out of New Orleans. It remains to be seen if that's the case, but either way, the 34-year-old veteran signal-caller could need surgery on his shoulder, which would likely mean he wouldn't be ready for the start of the 2025 season this fall. Given the uncertainty around Carr, the Saints selected quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round of this year's NFL draft on Friday as an insurance policy. Depending on Carr's injury situation, Shough could be asked to make starts for the Saints sooner than later in 2025. Carr's fantasy value, meanwhile, continues to drop after another disappointing season in New Orleans in 2024.

Sunday, January 5, 5:07 PM

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.