Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or RJ Harvey

Monday, October 20, 4:56 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed 21 of his 38 pass attempts for 241 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions and a lost fumble in Sunday night's 20-10 loss to the 49ers. Despite a banged up San Francisco defense, the Falcons were only able to muster 10 points, a disappointing trend that has plagued the Falcons and Penix on the road this season. In three home matchups, the team has put up 78 points, compared to a paltry 16 points in three road contests. Thankfully for the 25-year-old QB, Atlanta will be at home in Week 8, and it brings a fantastic get-right matchup with the Dolphins. Miami has been one of the most fantasy-friendly defenses to play against this year, allowing at least 27 points in six of seven games thus far. On the downside, per Ian Rapoport, head coach Raheem Morris stated that the 2024 first-round draft pick is dealing with a bone bruise in his foot and ankle which he suffered in Sunday's loss, and for now is considered day-to-day. Fantasy managers considering streaming Penix against the Dolphins should monitor his practice status throughout the week.

Saturday, October 4, 9:16 AM

Denver Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey was able to earn a season-best 41% of snaps in Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, this was due to replacing J.K. Dobbins for the majority of the 4th quarter in a blowout win. The rookie running back will look to carve out a role against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. While Harvey will increasingly develop confidence in the coaching staff and through his own experience on the field, it's likely that, barring an injury to Dobbins, he will continue to be a change-of-pace back in closer games. The explosive rookie is developing some standalone value as a flex starter. Still, Dobbins' strong performances might continue to hold him back from reaching his actual ceiling as a talented 2nd round pick. Harvey is considered a solid FLEX play and is currently RB34 in the latest RotoBaller Week 5 rankings.