Who Should I Start? Dorian Thompson-Robinson or Michael Penix Jr.

Friday, December 20, 5:36 PM

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson will make his first start of the season when he heads on the road to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16. Thompson-Robinson will take over as the Browns' starting quarterback after they benched Jameis Winston late in a Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bengals represent an excellent matchup for quarterbacks as they are allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to the position. That being said, Thompson-Robinson has thrown for just one touchdown and seven interceptions across 12 career appearances and can't be trusted to take advantage of this generous Cincinnati defense. He settles in as nothing more than a desperation option in superflex leagues heading into Week 16.

Friday, December 20, 10:05 PM

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.