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, February 2, 2:32 PM

According to Bill Barnell of ESPN.com, the Detroit Lions could release quarterback Hendon Hooker during the offseason. Barnwell noted that since the team re-signed veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater late in the season, it appears that the Lions do not view Hooker as a potential starting quarterback. Hooker was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He did not see the field during his rookie season but was able to log 32 snaps this past season. Hooker went 6-for-9 with 62 yards. He added two yards on five rushing attempts. Seeing that the team did not want to enter the postseason with Hooker as the No. 2 option is a telling sign. In addition, the Lions also signed Jared Goff to a four-year extension last May, signaling him as the QB1 for the foreseeable future. Hooker only carries low-end stash value in deeper superflex dynasty formats, as he could be given an opportunity to compete for a backup role elsewhere.