Who Should I Start? Drew Lock or Michael Penix Jr.

Sunday, December 22, 5:39 PM

New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock struggled in Sunday's 34-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, completing 22 of 39 passes for 210 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Making his third start since the release of Daniel Jones and returning from a Week 15 heel injury, Lock averaged a disappointing 5.4 yards per attempt and was sacked three times, managing just 8.5 fantasy points. His lone bright spot was a 15-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter (to RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.), but he failed to build any momentum as the Giants' offense stalled repeatedly. With the Giants now 2-13 and in pole position for the No. 1 overall draft pick, it seems increasingly likely they'll target a quarterback in the draft.

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.