Who Should I Start? Lamar Jackson or Michael Penix Jr.

Saturday, November 22, 10:27 AM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has registered two weeks in a row outside of QB1 territory. This is the first time he's done so since the 2023 season from Week 8 to Week 10. Last season, every time he had a lackluster performance, he followed it up with a top six fantasy finish. In Week 12, Jackson and company take on the New York Jets, who rank 22nd against opposing quarterbacks and allow an average of 18.61 fantasy points per game. The Jets haven't even collected a single interception all season and have only forced one turnover which was back in Week 6. So, if there's anyone to have a bounce back game against, it's the Jets. Jackson is projected for a return to QB1 in this matchup, making him a must-start once again.

Wednesday, November 19, 11:40 AM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) does indeed need surgery that involves "full reconstruction" of his torn ACL and faces "at least" nine months of recovery, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Penix Jr. suffered the injury during his team's Week 11 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The injury occurred in his left knee rather than his right, which is notable considering he tore his right ACL twice during his collegiate career. A nine-month recovery timeline from late November means Penix Jr.'s availability for the start of the 2026 season could be in question. For the remainder of 2025, Atlanta will likely turn to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has struggled across three games (one start) worth of action so far this season. Cousins profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 heading into a Week 12 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.