Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Hendon Hooker

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.

Sunday, August 18, 9:12 AM

Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker completed 12 of 15 passes for 150 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The 26-year-old also rushed five times for 11 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown. Hooker did lose a costly fumble late in the game but otherwise looked calm throughout his time on the field. As of now, Hooker's performance and higher ceiling give him the edge for the backup quarterback position over Nate Sudfeld, though both players had poor performances in their first preseason games last week. Hooker remains a dynasty stash for now and will look to improve on Saturday's performance in the preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.