Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Jake Haener

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.

Saturday, December 14, 5:19 AM

The New Orleans Saints will give quarterback Jake Haener the start on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi confirmed the nomination in comments to the media on Friday. Haener took the reins from Derek Carr (hand, concussion) in Week 14 after Carr injured himself late in the Saints' win over the New York Giants. He only had one dropback in that game, which resulted in a sack for a loss of 10 yards. This will be Haener's first start of the season. During the season, Haener appeared in seven games in 2024, going 14-for-29 for 177 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. The Saints wide receiver corps has been depleted by injuries, limiting the inexperienced Haener's utility to fantasy managers in two-QB leagues who are desperate for their second option.