Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or J.J. McCarthy

Monday, November 17, 12:45 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is headed to Injured Reserve after aggravating a bone bruise and knee sprain from earlier this season, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Penix also has damage to his ACL, which could require a full knee reconstruction. The young lefty signal-caller will be forced to miss at least the next four games while on IR, but all signs are pointing to him missing the rest of the 2025 season as well. Veteran Kirk Cousins, who did not look very good in his one start in place of Penix earlier this year, will now be thrust into the starting role in Atlanta for potentially the rest of the year. Fantasy managers might want to temper expectations for Cousins, especially since he'll be without top receiver Drake London (knee) for at least a little while. If the 25-year-old Penix has full knee reconstruction, it's possible he won't be ready to roll for the start of the 2026 season next fall.

Tuesday, November 18, 11:39 AM

The Minnesota Vikings are now 4-6 behind struggling young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but the team is betting that McCarthy can overcome his current issues and acclimate to the NFL with time. Receiver Adam Thielen, who is back in Minnesota after two full seasons in Carolina, pointed to Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, whose improvement in his third season came after two mostly rough years at the helm. "I'm sure he's leaning on a ton of experience from the last few years that (included) some really tough moments," Thielen said, according to The Athletic. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell hasn't entertained a move and maintains McCarthy's issues are mechanical and can be corrected. Minnesota is going to give McCarthy the runway to improve, so managers in Superflex leagues will know they'll have a playable QB, albeit one going through the ups and downs of being a first-time starter.