Who Should I Start? Joe Burrow or Michael Penix Jr.

Thursday, October 16, 9:05 PM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe), who suffered a serious turf-toe injury back in Week 2, is on track to return from Injured Reserve in mid-December, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Burrow is a month into a three-month recovery after having surgery for a Grade 3 turf-toe injury. Burrow has been doing well in his rehab and has not had any setbacks, which means he's still in play to return at the tail end of the regular season if the Bengals still have something to play for. He has told people he has every intention of playing again this year, but he just needs Cincinnati to stay in the hunt in the meantime. The 28-year-old isn't guaranteed to be in play for the fantasy playoffs, so managers shouldn't feel obligated to hold onto him in redraft leagues. Jake Browning struggled with turnovers (eight picks in four games) after replacing Burrow, leading Cincy to trade for veteran Joe Flacco to try and keep the team's playoff hopes alive.

Sunday, November 2, 8:39 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed 22 of his 37 pass attempts for 221 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 9 loss against the New England Patriots. He also added two rushing attempts for 19 rushing yards. Penix returned from a one-game absence and delivered his best fantasy performance of the season, finishing with three passing touchdowns for the first time in his young career. All three of those touchdown passes went to Drake London, who also accounted for more than half of Penix's passing yards. Penix fared well enough against a strong Patriots defense that we expect him to remain a solid QB1 option against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10.