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 24.6 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
10.6 4.7 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Michael Penix Jr. News

Michael Penix Jr. Splits First-Team Reps on Wednesday, "Close" to a Return

Wednesday, September 16, 12:32 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) split first-team reps with fellow Falcons QB Cooper Rush on Wednesday, per Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. Penix Jr. is working his way back from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season. Wolfe reports that Penix Jr. is "close" to a return and has not yet ruled out playing in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers. Across nine starts in 2025, the 26-year-old completed 60.1% of his pass attempts for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. While Penix Jr. profiles as a borderline top-24 fantasy quarterback at best, his return would represent a major upgrade in quarterback play for Falcons pass-catchers like wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. A third Falcons quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa (oblique), is also reportedly improving from the oblique injury that sidelined him in Week 1 and could be in the mix to start in Week 2 if Penix Jr. remains out.


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 10.6 points.