Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Drake Maye

Thursday, October 30, 4:53 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day on Thursday as he battles a bone bruise in his knee. Penix Jr. was sidelined in Week 8 due to the injury. However, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris expressed confidence earlier this week that his starting quarterback would return in Week 9 against the New England Patriots. If that proves not to be the case, Atlanta would likely turn to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who struggled in the team's Week 8 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Across six games played so far this season, Penix Jr. has completed 61% of his pass attempts for 1,409 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 if active in Week 9 against New England.

Sunday, October 26, 5:58 PM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 18 of his 24 pass attempts for 282 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 8 win over the Cleveland Browns. He also took six sacks and rushed for 50 yards. The former No. 3 pick continues to dominate during his breakout campaign, as he now has 17 total touchdowns and just three interceptions in 2025. He is also completing passes at an elite rate, maintaining a completion percentage north of 75 percent. All the while, he has looked like one of the NFL's better rushing quarterbacks and has led the Patriots to an AFC East-leading 6-2 start. Maye's six sacks and one interception on Sunday weren't ideal, but he made up for it with his completion rate, yardage, touchdowns, and the win. The 23-year-old remains a mid-range fantasy QB1 heading into a clash with the Falcons, who just surrendered four passing touchdowns to Tua Tagovailoa.