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

Monday, November 17, 12:32 PM

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the New York Jets are making a change at quarterback and will bench Justin Fields in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor, according to a source. Through 11 weeks, the Jets rank dead-last in the league in passing yards per game under Fields. The 26-year-old has limited the turnovers (one interception) in his first year with the Jets, but he's thrown for only seven touchdowns and 1,259 yards on 204 attempts in nine starts. While last Thursday night's loss to the New England Patriots was one of his better performances, he still threw for only 116 yards and also lost a fumble. Fields has gone under 100 yards passing in four of his nine games in 2025. He could get another shot before the end of the season if Taylor isn't much better, but for now, there's no reason to keep him rostered in redraft fantasy leagues.

Wednesday, November 19, 11:40 AM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) does indeed need surgery that involves "full reconstruction" of his torn ACL and faces "at least" nine months of recovery, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Penix Jr. suffered the injury during his team's Week 11 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The injury occurred in his left knee rather than his right, which is notable considering he tore his right ACL twice during his collegiate career. A nine-month recovery timeline from late November means Penix Jr.'s availability for the start of the 2026 season could be in question. For the remainder of 2025, Atlanta will likely turn to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has struggled across three games (one start) worth of action so far this season. Cousins profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 heading into a Week 12 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.