Who Should I Start? Kenny Pickett or Michael Penix Jr.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Kenny Pickett News
Monday, March 9, 2:28 PM
Free-agent quarterback Kenny Pickett agreed to a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers on Monday that will be worth up to $7.5 million, including $4 million in guarantees, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. With Pickett now in the fold as Bryce Young's backup, the Panthers are expected to trade veteran Andy Dalton. The 27-year-old Pickett will be on his fourth different team in the last four seasons. He was the 20th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 out of Pittsburgh, but he only lasted two years in the Steel City before being dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles. Pickett spent last year with the Las Vegas Raiders, playing in six games (two starts) while going 28-for-45 passing for 188 yards, one touchdown, and two picks. He has mostly operated as a game manager under center with limited upside in his four NFL seasons, completing only 62.4% of his passes.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19.2 | 9.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Michael Penix Jr. News
Tuesday, February 24, 1:14 PM
The Atlanta Falcons continue to be non-commital on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) being their starter under center in 2026, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. "I'm not big on giving out positions in February. I think you guys know how I feel about Michael, and I'm excited about his trajectory. I also know he's focused on his rehab, which is the right thing to do," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. Penix is recovering from a torn left ACL in 2025, so it's understandable for Atlanta's new front office and coaching staff to be non-committal on him going into next season. Penix expects to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season this fall, but the reality is we won't have a better idea of his availability until this summer. The former first-rounder wasn't all that impressive in 2025 before his injury, and he's now rehabbing from his third torn ACL. Penix is determined to heal up and return as the starter, but he'll have to prove it to the team's new brass first. Now might be a perfect time to buy low on Penix in dynasty/keeper leagues, although his injury history dating back to college is worrisome.
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 0.0 points this week while Michael Penix Jr. is projected to score 19.2 points.
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