Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Tyson Bagent

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.

Thursday, August 22, 11:37 PM

Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent threw for 57 yards on three completions and ran for a five-yard touchdown in the team's preseason finale Thursday night. The rushing score was set up by a 44-yard reception to wide receiver Nsimba Webster a few plays prior. Bagent played one more drive which resulted in a turnover on downs before getting the rest of the night off. The undrafted second-year quarterback is entrenched as the backup to Caleb Williams on Chicago's depth chart. He looks like one of the better backups in the NFL, picking up two wins in four starts as a rookie.