Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Bryce Young

Saturday, September 13, 12:56 AM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. performed well in Week 1, completing 27 of 42 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception, while also adding six rushes for 21 yards and a score. In Week 2, he'll have a road matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, who were tough against the run last season, allowing the second-fewest rush yards per game (93.2), and who only allowed 61 rush yards to non-quarterbacks in Week 1. It likely means the Falcons will lean on the pass again in this matchup, and the 25-year-old will have a full complement of receivers as Drake London (shoulder) and Darnell Mooney (shoulder) were both full participants in practice on Friday. The Vikings defense will be without a couple of pieces on Sunday, namely Andrew Van Ginkel (concussion), who nearly led the team in sacks in 2024 with 11.5, so the former first-round draft pick shapes up as a mid-range QB2 this week whose arrow is pointing up.

Monday, September 15, 12:54 AM

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young completed 35 of 55 pass attempts for 328 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Arizona Cardinals. He also took three sacks in the loss. While Young and the whole Panthers offense were slow to get going, they showed real signs of life in the fourth quarter and nearly pulled off an improbable comeback. The former No. 1 pick's three touchdowns are a testament to his ability to lead pass-heavy scoring drives and keep the Panthers competitive even when playing from behind. Both of these skills will serve him well going forward, as sportsbooks continue to set the Panthers as underdogs, indicating that Young will need to continue throwing the ball often and with success. Next week, he'll face the Atlanta Falcons, who dismantled J.J. McCarthy this week but allowed Baker Mayfield to throw for three touchdowns in Week 1. Young should rank as a mid-range QB2 heading into the divisional battle.