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


Week 2 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
24.7 24.7 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

Justin Herbert News

Justin Herbert Throws One Touchdown in Disappointing Loss

Sunday, September 13, 7:33 PM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert went 17-for-27 for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in his team's shocking 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Herbert also had five carries for 29 rushing yards. The 28-year-old disappointed in the season opener, producing under 15 fantasy points, and will likely finish outside the top 20 scoring quarterbacks in Week 1. Herbert and the Chargers cut the lead to two late in the third quarter after finding Ladd McConkey on an eight-yard touchdown. However, the game spiraled for the Chargers after a punt was blocked and Herbert threw an interception late. Herbert will hope to bounce back at home in a favorable matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2.


Week 2 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
14.2 6.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Michael Penix Jr. News

Michael Penix Jr. Splitting First-Team Reps Again

Thursday, September 17, 10:38 AM

Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Cooper Rush both threw to starters in the routes-on-air drill on Thursday during the media-viewing portion of Thursday's practice, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) missed a second straight day of practice, so it looks like it will come down to either Rush (for a second straight) starting or Penix starting under center in Week 2 against the division-rival Carolina Panthers. Penix was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's practice, but both he and the Falcons are taking it slow as he continues to recover from a partially torn ACL late last year. Penix missed most of training camp and the entire preseason. In both the short and long term, the Falcons plan on using Penix as their starting QB after he was drafted eighth overall in 2024 out of the University of Washington. If Rush makes a second straight start to begin the 2026 season, he will be a desperation QB2 in superflex leagues after throwing for 143 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in the Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.


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 24.7 points this week while Michael Penix Jr. is projected to score 14.2 points.