Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Bucky Irving
Week 2 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.6 | 4.7 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Michael Penix Jr. News
Wednesday, September 16, 12:32 PM
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) split first-team reps with fellow Falcons QB Cooper Rush on Wednesday, per Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. Penix Jr. is working his way back from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season. Wolfe reports that Penix Jr. is "close" to a return and has not yet ruled out playing in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers. Across nine starts in 2025, the 26-year-old completed 60.1% of his pass attempts for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. While Penix Jr. profiles as a borderline top-24 fantasy quarterback at best, his return would represent a major upgrade in quarterback play for Falcons pass-catchers like wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. A third Falcons quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa (oblique), is also reportedly improving from the oblique injury that sidelined him in Week 1 and could be in the mix to start in Week 2 if Penix Jr. remains out.
Week 2 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14.8 | 63.5 | 0.4 | 2.9 | 22.5 | 0.1 |
Bucky Irving News
Wednesday, September 16, 6:46 PM
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving did a little bit of everything on the field during the season opener. Irving rushed the ball eight times for 45 yards and a touchdown. He also hauled in all seven of his targets for 48 yards and another score during the Week 1 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Irving was highly efficient on the ground with 5.6 yards per carry, while being a huge factor in the receiving game. The Bucs clearly trust Irving to make plays on the ground and through the air. The presence of Kenny Gainwell does not appear to be making an impact on the value of Irving. Fantasy managers should consider Irving a high-end RB2 for the upcoming matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Michael Penix Jr. vs. Bucky Irving
Still trying to decide between Penix Jr. and Irving? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Michael Penix Jr. is projected to score 10.6 points this week while Bucky Irving is projected to score 14.8 points.
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