Who Should I Start? Jared Goff or Michael Penix Jr.


Week 3 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
26.8 6.4 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jared Goff News

Jared Goff a Steady QB1 Option in Week 3

Friday, September 25, 3:43 PM

Two games into the 2026 season, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has completed 67.5% of his passes for 533 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions. With Detroit's defense struggling mightily to begin the year, Goff has averaged 38.5 pass attempts per game in a pair of high-scoring affairs. In Week 3, Goff and the Lions will host the New York Jets at Ford Field. The Jets have been a very stingy pass defense so far this season, ranking second in the NFL in both total passing yards (285) and yards per pass attempt (4.7) allowed. However, New York has had a favorable schedule so far, playing against the struggling Tennessee Titans and hosting the Green Bay Packers in a weather-impacted game in Week 2. Goff will not have to battle the elements inside the domed Ford Field. He will also be getting back two starters on the offensive line in left guard Christian Mahogany and right tackle Blake Miller, both of whom missed Detroit's Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. All in all, Goff profiles as a solid QB1 option for fantasy managers in Week 3.


Week 3 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
20.0 8.8 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Michael Penix Jr. News

Michael Penix Jr. Impresses in Successful Injury Return on Thursday

Friday, September 25, 5:58 AM

In his first game back since suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 11 of 2025, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was effective. The 26-year-old completed 18 of 25 pass attempts for 256 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and led his team to a 35-14 win over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Atlanta finished the game with nearly 250 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, which kept Penix Jr. from having to do too much with his arm. Still, the third-year quarterback averaged a highly efficient 10.2 yards per pass attempt and helped power a massive game from star Falcons wideout Drake London, who recorded nine catches for 194 yards on 10 targets. Penix Jr. offers zero upside with his legs and will likely often be handing the ball off to Falcons running back Bijan Robinson when the team gets near the goal line, both of which limit his fantasy value. At the same time, Penix Jr. could establish himself as a solid QB2 option for fantasy managers if he can stay healthy.


Jared Goff vs. Michael Penix Jr.

Still trying to decide between Goff and Penix Jr.? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jared Goff is projected to score 26.8 points this week while Michael Penix Jr. is projected to score 20.0 points.