Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or J.J. McCarthy
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3 | 3.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Michael Penix Jr. News
Wednesday, July 15, 12:12 PM
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is still difficult to price before training camp. He threw for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions in nine starts last season, then a partially torn left ACL ended his year in Week 11. This was his third ACL surgery. Penix made it back for individual and seven-on-seven work in the spring, but Atlanta kept him out of full-team periods while Tua Tagovailoa ran the offense. The expectation was that Penix would be ready for 11-on-11 work in camp, pending medical clearance. Until that happens, there is not much of a competition to judge. The fantasy profile has its own problem. Penix completed 60.1% of his passes and added only 70 rushing yards, so he needs the arm to carry the value. Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts Sr. give him enough help if he wins the job. RotoBaller has Penix at QB29 in dynasty, which is low enough to hold through camp but not cheap enough to ignore the knee and Tua. Superflex buyers should wait for clarity rather than paying for his previous upside.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
J.J. McCarthy News
Wednesday, July 22, 9:12 AM
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggled in his first chance to be an NFL starter in 2025. McCarthy missed seven games due to ankle, concussion, and hand issues and finished the year with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Minnesota brought in some significant competition for McCarthy in free agency, signing veteran quarterback Kyler Murray. Given Murray's established track record from his time with the Arizona Cardinals, it wouldn't be a surprise if McCarthy is limited to QB2 duties in 2026. However, the Vikings reportedly plan to allow the battle between Murray and McCarthy to run through training camp and the preseason. McCarthy is just 23 years old, and Minnesota could still view him as a key piece of the team's future. McCarthy also brings some fantasy juice with his legs, as he rushed for 181 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games last season. With his value at a low point, McCarthy could be a worthy buy-low candidate for dynasty managers.
Michael Penix Jr. vs. J.J. McCarthy
Still trying to decide between Penix Jr. and McCarthy? 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 8.3 points this week while J.J. McCarthy is projected to score 1.5 points.
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