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
22.5 6.9 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Michael Penix Jr. News

Falcons Fully Invested in Developing Michael Penix Jr.

Monday, June 2, 11:43 PM

The Atlanta Falcons are completely focused on developing former first-round quarterback Michael Penix Jr., according to SI.com's Albert Breer. Last year, the Falcons were locked into having veteran Kirk Cousins under center, but now they are putting their offense together in a way that will best fit Penix. The 25-year-old second-year signal-caller has proven to be an even faster learner than was expected when he was drafted. He has been working to get his footwork synced up, his base widened and his eyes upfield, while coaches also want Penix working to create ways to take advantage of his high-end arm talent. Atlanta added slow-developing, play-action concepts to take advantage of Penix's ability to create explosive plays down the field, and they've also expanded their perimeter passing game. The coaches and players are behind Penix, who will be an attractive QB2 with upside in superflex leagues in 2025.


Week 1 Projections

Fant. Pts. Rush. Yds. Rush TD Rec. Rec. Yds. Rec TD
18.5 -0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

J.J. McCarthy News

J.J. McCarthy has Shown Plenty of Arm Strength

Tuesday, June 17, 12:07 PM

There are plenty of question marks surrounding Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick last year, after he missed his rookie season in 2024 with a torn right meniscus in his knee. However, ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that McCarthy's arm strength has been fine after it was a topic of discussion going into the 2024 draft. "He definitely has an arm," receiver Justin Jefferson said. "That's for sure. He can definitely zip it whenever he needs to." His arm has looked especially lively on throws down the middle of the field, and McCarthy is starting to learn to vary his throws after Jefferson noted last summer that the rookie tended to throw every ball the same way -- hard and straight. With no threats to the starting job under center, the 22-year-old is Minnesota's clear starting QB going into 2025 and has some of the best weapons in the league. He's a QB2 with upside in fantasy.


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 22.5 points this week while J.J. McCarthy is projected to score 18.5 points.