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

Saturday, November 15, 12:23 PM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (shoulder) didn't practice on Wednesday and Friday (limited on Thursday) due to a nagging right shoulder injury. Fortunately, it won't be enough to keep him off the field for the Week 11 AFC North clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Flacco spent over a decade with the Baltimore Ravens, so he's quite familiar with Sunday's opponent. However, despite numerous encounters with the Steelers over the years, Flacco's most recent showing against the team back in Week 7 was arguably his best, with the signal-caller throwing for 342 yards and three touchdowns off 31-for-47 passing. He has played at an elevated level since first suiting up for the Bengals, so expectations remain high. With that said, Flacco is surrounded by a quality supporting cast, at least on the offensive side of the ball, giving him plenty of credibility as a starting fantasy option in any format for Sunday's anticipated high-scoring affair.

Sunday, November 16, 8:06 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) aggravated the same knee injury that forced him to miss time earlier this season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The second-year quarterback had completed 13 of his 16 pass attempts for 175 yards before exiting Sunday's Week 11 loss against the Carolina Panthers. Rapoport notes that Penix is headed for additional testing, but the initial expectation is that he will miss time. That would leave Kirk Cousins in line to make his second start of the season next Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. The veteran went just 6-for-14 passing with 48 yards in relief of Penix this week. He led zero touchdown drives but did get Atlanta in position for two fourth-quarter field goals.