Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Shedeur Sanders

Wednesday, November 26, 1:06 PM

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said on Wednesday that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) had successful surgery on his knee on Tuesday, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Penix had full reconstructive surgery to fix a partially torn ACL in his left knee, which will keep him out for the rest of this season and possibly for the start of the 2026 season next fall. The 25-year-old second-year signal-caller is facing a nine-month recovery, which will force Atlanta to rethink its long-term plan at the QB position this offseason. This is Penix's third ACL reconstruction in his career after he had two knee surgeries in college. Kirk Cousins will start the rest of the year under center for the Falcons, but depending on how he finishes the season, the Falcons could opt out of the final two seasons of his four-year deal.

Sunday, December 21, 4:59 PM

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders completed 20 of his 29 pass attempts for 157 yards and one touchdown, but threw two interceptions in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Sanders managed to overcome an injured pinky finger on his throwing hand, which forced him out of the game for a few plays, and completed 69% of his passes, his best passing completion percentage of the year. Most notably, the rookie play caller had four rushes for 49 yards, also a season high. If Sanders continues to gain yards on the ground, which helps to support his fantasy points floor, he may become a more appealing deep league Superflex option. Looking ahead, the Browns will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, whose defense gives up the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks for the year.