Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Adrian Martinez

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.

Sunday, July 28, 1:45 PM

The New York Jets signed quarterback Adrian Martinez and cornerback Kendall Sheffield on Saturday and released cornerback Nehemiah Shelton and quarterback Ben Bryant in corresponding moves. Martinez went undrafted out of Kansas State and was waived by the Detroit Lions back in late August of last year. The 24-year-old has yet to appear in an NFL game and will now look to make some noise as QB depth for the Jets this summer in training camp and the preseason. Martinez will be a long shot to make the active roster out of camp, but there's a chance he could stick around on the practice squad if he impresses. Behind Aaron Rodgers at the position, the Jets now have Martinez, Tyrod Taylor and rookies Jordan Travis and Andrew Peasley.