Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Jayden Daniels


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Michael Penix Jr. News

Michael Penix Jr. Not Cleared for 11-on-11 Work

Wednesday, May 27, 1:38 PM

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has not yet been cleared to take part in 11-on-11 drills during OTA practices, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Penix suffered a partially torn ACL in his left knee last year and underwent season-ending surgery in mid-November. The 26-year-old former eighth overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Washington has already taken part in 7-on-7 drills and has done individual work during the Falcons' offseason program, but he's still behind as he eventually looks to compete with Tua Tagovailoa for the starting QB gig this summer in training camp. Reports have suggested that Penix is doing great in his rehab, but until he's at full speed, he'll be fighting an uphill battle to win the starting QB job to open the 2026 campaign. There are plenty of playmakers in Atlanta in an offense that could improve under Stefanski, but Penix's injury history alone -- he tore his ACL twice in college -- has seriously put a damper on his long-term fantasy outlook.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jayden Daniels News

Jayden Daniels Participating in Commanders OTAs

Wednesday, May 27, 12:50 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is participating in OTAs, per Zach Selby of Commanders.com. Daniels battled through myriad injury issues in 2025, as elbow, hamstring, and knee ailments limited him to just seven games played. However, it appears as though the 25-year-old is healthy and fully ready to go entering 2026. Daniels lit up fantasy football with his dual-threat ability as a rookie in 2024, throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns and rushing for 891 yards and six scores. If he can stay on the field, he projects as a high-end fantasy QB1 with number one overall quarterback upside. However, Daniels has a track record of shaky health that dates back to his time in college. Washington will also implement a new offensive system in 2026 under new play-caller David Blough and may prioritize keeping Daniels healthy by limiting his rushing attempts. All in all, Daniels projects as a high-risk, high-reward quarterback option for fantasy managers entering 2026.


Michael Penix Jr. vs. Jayden Daniels

Still trying to decide between Penix Jr. and Daniels? 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 0.0 points this week while Jayden Daniels is projected to score 0.0 points.