Who Should I Start? Kenny Pickett or Michael Penix Jr.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Kenny Pickett News
Monday, August 3, 8:27 AM
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said on Monday that quarterback Kenny Pickett will start the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Aug. 6, against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. No clear-cut starters will play in the game for the Panthers. Now that veteran Andy Dalton is no longer in Carolina, Pickett is the favorite to serve as Bryce Young's backup in 2026 in his first year with the team. The 28-year-old former 20th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 from the University of Pittsburgh is with his third different team in the last three years, having spent 2024 with the Philadelphia Eagles and 2025 with the Las Vegas Raiders. Pickett played in 11 games (three starts) the last two seasons and threw for only 479 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions with the Eagles and Raiders in a backup role. He will only become an option in the deepest of superflex leagues in 2026 if he's forced into the starting role if Young goes down with an injury.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3 | 3.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Michael Penix Jr. News
Monday, August 17, 10:01 AM
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) remains limited to 7-on-7 work as he continues his recovery from a partially torn ACL in his left knee. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Atlanta has 7-on-7 periods scheduled during this week's joint practices against the Indianapolis Colts specifically so Penix can participate, according to Marc Raimondi. The third-year quarterback still has not been cleared for full 11-on-11 team drills. Penix underwent surgery in late November after the injury ended his 2025 season and has been working through individual drills, one-on-ones and 7-on-7 periods during camp. Getting reps against the Colts defense will give him something different this week without pushing him beyond his current restrictions. Penix has said his goal is to be ready for Week 1, but the Falcons have continued to let the medical staff determine his pace. Until he's cleared for full-team work, there is still another significant step to take in his return.
Kenny Pickett vs. Michael Penix Jr.
Still trying to decide between Pickett and Penix Jr.? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Kenny Pickett is projected to score 0.7 points this week while Michael Penix Jr. is projected to score 8.3 points.
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