Who Should I Start? Jalen Hurts or Michael Penix Jr.

Friday, February 13, 3:27 PM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has accomplished a lot in his NFL career to this point as both a real-life player and a fantasy QB. However, 2025 was a frustrating season in many respects. Across 16 games, the 27-year-old completed 64.8% of his pass attempts for 3,224 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six interceptions while averaging a career-low 7.1 yards per pass attempt. While Hurts still provided well-above-average production with his legs, his rushing production dipped in comparison to his career norms. After four straight seasons with at least 600 rushing yards and double-digit rushing touchdowns, Hurts totaled 421 yards and eight scores as a rusher in 2025. The Eagles will have a different play-caller in 2026, as the team brought in former Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion in place of former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. While the coaching change could help Hurts, the Eagles may be looking to trade away star wide receiver A.J. Brown after Brown publicly voiced his displeasure with the team at points throughout 2025. Hurts remains a quality dual-threat fantasy quarterback, but his long-term dynasty stock may be fading if his rushing production is slowing down.

Tuesday, February 24, 1:14 PM

The Atlanta Falcons continue to be non-commital on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) being their starter under center in 2026, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. "I'm not big on giving out positions in February. I think you guys know how I feel about Michael, and I'm excited about his trajectory. I also know he's focused on his rehab, which is the right thing to do," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. Penix is recovering from a torn left ACL in 2025, so it's understandable for Atlanta's new front office and coaching staff to be non-committal on him going into next season. Penix expects to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season this fall, but the reality is we won't have a better idea of his availability until this summer. The former first-rounder wasn't all that impressive in 2025 before his injury, and he's now rehabbing from his third torn ACL. Penix is determined to heal up and return as the starter, but he'll have to prove it to the team's new brass first. Now might be a perfect time to buy low on Penix in dynasty/keeper leagues, although his injury history dating back to college is worrisome.