Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Tommy Devito

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.

Wednesday, December 18, 3:28 PM

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (concussion) was participating in drills at practice on Wednesday, so he's on track to clear the league's concussion protocol by Sunday in order to serve as the backup to starter Drew Lock in Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons. DeVito made the first start after the team parted ways with Daniel Jones in Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but a right-forearm injury forced him into a backup role the following two weeks before he made his second start in place of the injured Lock in the Week 15 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The 26-year-old then suffered a concussion on Sunday, but he appears to be making good progress and could be cleared for a backup role this weekend. The second-year signal-caller underwhelmed in his two starts before getting hurt and will be New York's backup as long as Lock can remain healthy through the final three weeks.