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


Week 4 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
23.3 24.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

Justin Herbert News

Jim Harbaugh Says Justin Herbert Needs to "Be Better"

Monday, September 28, 4:05 PM

When asked about quarterback Justin Herbert's decision-making after the team's third straight loss to start the season on Sunday on the road against the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said, "Be better," according to ESPN's Kris Rhim. Harbaugh has typically gone out of his way to defend Harbaugh since taking the head-coaching job in L.A. in 2023, but he is now calling the struggling signal-caller out to step up his game after the tough start. Last week, Harbaugh said he "wouldn't change a thing about Justin." Herbert has not looked like himself in coordinator Mike McDaniel's offense through three games. He threw for 226 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception, but he could have had three if Bills defenders did not drop two of them. It is still early, but so far, Herbert is not remotely close to a potential breakout fantasy QB in McDaniel's scheme like many were hoping for. It does not get any easier for Herbert, either, as he will face the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and their strong defense in Week 4.


Week 4 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
20.0 8.8 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Michael Penix Jr. News

Michael Penix Jr. Impresses in Successful Injury Return on Thursday

Friday, September 25, 5:58 AM

In his first game back since suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 11 of 2025, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was effective. The 26-year-old completed 18 of 25 pass attempts for 256 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and led his team to a 35-14 win over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Atlanta finished the game with nearly 250 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, which kept Penix Jr. from having to do too much with his arm. Still, the third-year quarterback averaged a highly efficient 10.2 yards per pass attempt and helped power a massive game from star Falcons wideout Drake London, who recorded nine catches for 194 yards on 10 targets. Penix Jr. offers zero upside with his legs and will likely often be handing the ball off to Falcons running back Bijan Robinson when the team gets near the goal line, both of which limit his fantasy value. At the same time, Penix Jr. could establish himself as a solid QB2 option for fantasy managers if he can stay healthy.


Justin Herbert vs. Michael Penix Jr.

Still trying to decide between Herbert and Penix Jr.? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Justin Herbert is projected to score 23.3 points this week while Michael Penix Jr. is projected to score 20.0 points.