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

Wednesday, November 19, 11:40 AM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) does indeed need surgery that involves "full reconstruction" of his torn ACL and faces "at least" nine months of recovery, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Penix Jr. suffered the injury during his team's Week 11 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The injury occurred in his left knee rather than his right, which is notable considering he tore his right ACL twice during his collegiate career. A nine-month recovery timeline from late November means Penix Jr.'s availability for the start of the 2026 season could be in question. For the remainder of 2025, Atlanta will likely turn to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has struggled across three games (one start) worth of action so far this season. Cousins profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 heading into a Week 12 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Saturday, November 22, 1:36 AM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye should bounce back as a high-end fantasy QB1 for Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. The former No. 3 pick delivered a modest 281 yards and one touchdown last week, falling shy of his high-end QB1 upside. He should get back to that tier this week, though, as the Bengals have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025, as well as the third-most passing touchdowns. In addition to Maye getting a favorable matchup, he'll also benefit from the return of two key targets. Both Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) and Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) have been removed from the injury report and will return following their multi-game absences. Maye is the overall QB2 in fantasy scoring this season, and he's well on his way to a phenomenal MVP candidacy. He should be started in all fantasy leagues as he takes on the Bengals.