Who Should I Start? Justin Fields or Michael Penix Jr.

Wednesday, September 17, 12:07 PM

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (concussion) has been ruled out for Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero . Fields was forced to leave New York's Week 2 contest early due to a concussion. Given how early in the week Fields has been ruled out, it's possible he could be facing a multi-week absence, but that's pure speculation at this stage. Veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor will get the start against Tampa Bay in Fields' absence. Taylor completed seven of 11 pass attempts for 56 yards and a touchdown after taking over mid-game in Week 2. His last stretch of extended NFL action came in 2023 for the New York Giants, when he threw for 1,341 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 197 yards on 38 attempts across 11 games (five starts). The 36-year-old Taylor still offers some dual-threat ability and could be a low-end injury replacement option in two-quarterback fantasy leagues.

Tuesday, September 16, 3:45 PM

The Atlanta Falcons really did not need to rely on the left arm of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in Week 2 in their 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. Penix attempted only 21 passes on the night, completing 13 of them for 135 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He carried the ball just once for a loss of a yard and was sacked three times for a loss of 27 yards. The Falcons were content to let running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier carry the load in a game in which Atlanta was ahead from start to finish. When Penix dropped back to pass, he mostly worked the short areas of the field. This type of game script could happen again in Week 3 versus the division-rival Carolina Panthers, but Penix showed in Week 1 that he can sling the ball around the yard when needed, as he nearly threw for 300 yards and a touchdown. Penix is a solid QB2 stash with upside in his first year as the Falcons' full-time starter under center.