Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Gardner Minshew

Monday, November 17, 12:06 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has been the most expensive backup QB in the NFL this year, could be forced into starting duties under center for the rest of the year after Michael Penix Jr. (knee) suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury in Sunday's overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. Penix is seeking a second opinion, but the initial diagnosis is not encouraging. At the very least, the 37-year-old Cousins will likely make his second start of 2025 in Week 12 against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. His fantasy stock is obviously going to jump drastically if Penix misses the rest of the year, but at least in the short term, fantasy managers might want to temper expectations, especially with top receiver Drake London (knee) also expected to miss time with a PCL sprain he suffered on Sunday. In Cousins' lone start against Miami in a 34-10 loss on Oct. 26, he did not look good, going 21-for-31 passing for 173 yards, no touchdowns, and no picks.

Saturday, August 16, 2:10 AM

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew completed seven of nine passes (78%) for 70 yards and a touchdown in the 16-33 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Minshew found Robert Tonyan in the back of the endzone on a rollout for an easy score. It was a nice sign to see for Chiefs fans, knowing they have a capable backup behind Patrick Mahomes. That said, Minshew will not have any fantasy value this season unless Mahomes gets injured.