Who Should I Start? Josh Palmer or Michael Penix Jr.

Friday, December 20, 12:25 AM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer made three catches in a Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos. Palmer tied for the team lead in targets with six, making his three catches for 41 yards. He also made an incredible catch to score on a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter. Palmer made some solid plays in this game and remains an important part of the Chargers offense on the field, but it just isn't translating to fantasy value. He and the Bolts will face the Patriots on Saturday in Week 17.

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.