Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Jaxson Dart

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.

Monday, November 17, 10:18 AM

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (concussion) missed his team's Week 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers due to a concussion. When asked about Dart's status for practice leading into New York's Week 12 matchup against the Detroit Lions, interim Giants head coach Mike Kafka said Dart remains in the league's concussion protocol. While Dart could clear the protocol in time for Week 12, it does not appear that the team knows exactly what his status will be at this time. With Dart sidelined in Week 11, veteran quarterback Jameis Winston took over under center for the Giants. Winston completed 19 of 29 pass attempts for 201 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception against the Packers. If Winston gets another start against Detroit, he could be a solid starting fantasy QB option in two-quarterback league formats.