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
Monday, August 17, 10:01 AM
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) remains limited to 7-on-7 work as he continues his recovery from a partially torn ACL in his left knee. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Atlanta has 7-on-7 periods scheduled during this week's joint practices against the Indianapolis Colts specifically so Penix can participate, according to Marc Raimondi. The third-year quarterback still has not been cleared for full 11-on-11 team drills. Penix underwent surgery in late November after the injury ended his 2025 season and has been working through individual drills, one-on-ones and 7-on-7 periods during camp. Getting reps against the Colts defense will give him something different this week without pushing him beyond his current restrictions. Penix has said his goal is to be ready for Week 1, but the Falcons have continued to let the medical staff determine his pace. Until he's cleared for full-team work, there is still another significant step to take in his return.
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, August 12, 5:08 PM
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy said losing the QB competition to Kyler Murray was "out of my control" and that he wants to stay with the organization, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. With veteran signal-caller Carson Wentz also on the roster, a trade could become a possibility. "This is the place I want to be," McCarthy said. "And I love every single person in this building. I love the state. I love the fanbase. And I'm going to continue to just do whatever I can for this team and this organization." The Vikings drafted McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Michigan. He missed his entire rookie season after having knee surgery, and he started only 10 games last year while dealing with injuries. Murray was the heavy favorite to win the QB job in Minnesota this year after McCarthy threw 11 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions last season. If Murray stays healthy and rebounds in the Vikings' offense, McCarthy's best path back to fantasy relevance might be a trade out of town.
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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