Who Should I Start? Malik Willis or Michael Penix Jr.

Saturday, September 28, 2:01 PM

Even if Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis doesn't start in Week 4 against the undefeated division-rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, head coach Matt LaFleur could possibly use Willis in some packages to keep the Vikings on their toes. If Jordan Love (knee) returns for the first time since spraining his left knee in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil, he won't be 100 percent. The Vikings are preparing to see both Love and Willis on Sunday. Long-time NFL QB Chase Daniel is firmly against the Packers pushing Love to play this week, especially against an ultra-aggressive Vikings D. "You want to know the worst-case situation for the Packers? Love gets destroyed in the pocket and re-aggravates the knee. Play this smart for the long term and play the hot hand. Malik Willis can win this game for you," Daniel said.

Friday, December 20, 10:05 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will make his first career start in Week 16 against the New York Giants. The Falcons are heavy favorites in this one, but that is likely more a product of their one-two punch in the backfield of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier rather than a vote of confidence in the young signal-caller's arm. Not that Penix hasn't been on the big stage before or lacks upside; he led the Washington Huskies to the National Championship game this past January, ultimately losing to Michigan, with Atlanta subsequently taking him with the eighth overall selection in the 2024 Draft, so he's got the talent. But, while the Giants have allowed the third-highest completion percentage and have recorded a league-low two interceptions on the season, they've tallied the seventh-most sacks on the year, so Penix could be under pressure despite some things working in his favor. Hopefully the 24-year-old's receivers have quickly got accustomed to a left-hander throwing a football as well, which could make things a little more challenging than usual on Sunday. Whether it does or not, fantasy managers vying for championships who are also looking for a streaming option should look elsewhere as the former first-rounder projects as a risky, low-end QB2 in Week 16.