Who Should I Start? Mac Jones or Michael Penix Jr.

Monday, January 6, 11:37 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones had a solid final game of the season in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He put up 20 completions on 32 attempts for 225 yards and a touchdown. He also threw a pick. The backup quarterback took over for the injured Trevor Lawrence back in Week 13 against the Houston Texans and has been up and down ever since. This performance was somewhere in between. He barely surpassed 200 yards in five quarters and turned the ball over yet again, but was able to find Parker Washington for another touchdown and get Brian Thomas Jr. over 100 yards receiving in a near victory. Mac Jones will most likely return to a backup role, whether with the Jaguars or another team, in the 2025 NFL season.

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.