Who Should I Start? Kyler Murray or Michael Penix Jr.

Wednesday, April 9, 1:13 PM

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray said that he feels like he needs to run more in 2025 and is open to running more next season. "It's such a weapon," Murray said. The 27-year-old two-time Pro Bowler and former Offensive Rookie of the Year ran the ball 78 times for 572 yards (7.3 yards per carry) and five touchdowns in 17 starts in 2024. His 572 rushing yards ranked fourth in the league behind Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels and Jalen Hurts, with his five TDs tying him for sixth-most in the NFL. As a passer, Murray completed 68.8% of his 541 pass attempts for 3,851 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 touchdowns. Overall, he finished as the QB10 in fantasy scoring, and his elite rushing ability should continue to give him a high floor as a low-end QB1. If he makes good on his promise to run more in 2025, he could end up being even more of a value pick at the position in fantasy drafts this fall.

Sunday, January 5, 5:07 PM

Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. went 21-for-38 with 312 yards, two passing scores and an interception during their overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. Penix added five yards and score on his lone carry. After averaging just 212.5 passing yards during the first two games of his career, Penix enjoyed a strong finish to the 2024 campaign, despite falling just short to the Panthers. The Washington product leaned on his top wideout Drake London as he threw to him 18 times. London also brought in both his touchdown passes and finished the day with 187 receiving yards. The 24-year-old has tallied four total touchdowns over his first three NFL games but sits with a 1-2 record, with both of his losses coming in overtime. Fantasy managers should expect Penix to be in the driver's seat to open as the team's starting QB in 2025.