Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Rashid Shaheed

Sunday, September 7, 6:37 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for nearly 300 yards during the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He got the game started off quickly with a 50-yard passing touchdown to Bijan Robinson on the opening drive. The Bucs basically completely stopped the Falcons running game, but Penix was able to keep his team in the game with his arm. He completed 27-of-42 passing attempts for 298 yards and a touchdown. Penix also added 21 yards on the ground on six rushing attempts with an additional touchdown on the ground. The young quarterback was able to hold his own especially without Darnell Mooney (shoulder) and Drake London towards the end of the game. It was a nice season opener for Penix, but he'll have a tough challenge ahead of him against the Minnesota Vikings defense in Week 2.

Saturday, September 6, 10:59 AM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is starting his first regular-season game since a season-ending meniscus tear in October 2024. Over his first three seasons, he's averaged 16.6 yards per reception but only 47.2 yards per game with a 62.7% catch rate. With second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler under center, Shaheed remains volatile, though he's always one explosive play away from taking the top off a defense. Against the stingy Cardinals, he profiles as a boom-or-bust WR4 worth a flier in deeper leagues thanks to his 4.3 speed, but he's unreliable as a week-to-week starter.