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

Sunday, January 5, 5:07 PM

Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. went 21-for-38 with 312 yards, two passing scores and an interception during their overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. Penix added five yards and score on his lone carry. After averaging just 212.5 passing yards during the first two games of his career, Penix enjoyed a strong finish to the 2024 campaign, despite falling just short to the Panthers. The Washington product leaned on his top wideout Drake London as he threw to him 18 times. London also brought in both his touchdown passes and finished the day with 187 receiving yards. The 24-year-old has tallied four total touchdowns over his first three NFL games but sits with a 1-2 record, with both of his losses coming in overtime. Fantasy managers should expect Penix to be in the driver's seat to open as the team's starting QB in 2025.

Tuesday, May 20, 11:39 PM

The Athletic's Chad Graff reports that New England Patriots second-year quarterback Drake Maye struggled in his first practice at organized team activities on Tuesday. Nobody should be putting too much stock into it, but Maye tossed four interceptions on his 16 pass attempts with the defense dominating early on. Three of the throws were outright misses, and one of them came on a batted pass on a throw behind his intended receiver. It's not all that surprising, though, with defenses usually ahead at this time of year and with Maye learning a new offensive scheme from Josh McDaniels. The 22-year-old former third overall pick eventually took over starting duties last year from Jacoby Brissett and predictably struggled for a Pats team lacking many offensive weapons. Drake showed signs of greatness, though, and he should be able to take a step forward in McDaniels' scheme with improved offensive weapons.