Who Should I Start? Jauan Jennings or Michael Penix Jr.

Friday, December 20, 11:08 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings will face the Dolphins in Miami on Sunday. The former Tennessee Volunteer disappointed last Thursday despite a team-high nine targets. The opportunities only translated to two receptions for 31 yards. In fairness, an offensively sluggish, rain-soaked first half didn't help. Weather isn't expected to be a factor this week in Miami, but the Dolphins' pass defense offers its own challenge. Miami is ranked second-best in the NFL at limiting wide receiver fantasy half-PPR points. Still, Jennings is firmly entrenched as quarterback Brock Purdy's favorite option, as one would have to go back to Week 6 to find another 49er surpassing an active Jennings in targets. Despite the tough matchup, Jennings should rebound with a useful fantasy line as a solid WR2.

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.