Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Spencer Rattler

Friday, September 5, 12:12 PM

Despite not picking up any playing time during the preseason, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is all geared up for the team's Week 1 meeting with the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "I know when game day comes up, the whole game plan will be in. I'll be ready," said Penix Jr. The University of Washington alum will head into his first season as the team's starter, but will do so having only worked with the first-team offense in practice situations thus far. It's fair to expect that there may be some ramp-up time as the offense attempts to find its groove, but the team is all-in on the second-year signal-caller as their leader. Penix Jr. doesn't hold much value in single-QB leagues for now, but he's an intriguing QB2 option in superflex formats and a hold in dynasty leagues. He's RotoBaller's QB19 in the Week 1 rankings.

Tuesday, August 26, 3:06 PM

The New Orleans Saints will open the 2025 season with Spencer Rattler as their starting quarterback, according to head coach Kellen Moore. The Saints are opting for experience at the position to begin the year after Rattler beat out rookie second-rounder Tyler Shough in training camp and the preseason. The 24-year-old Rattler was a fifth-round selection (150th overall) last year out of South Carolina. He ended up playing in seven games (six starts) in his rookie campaign due to injuries to Derek Carr, and he looked like a rookie, completing 57% of his 228 pass attempts for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions. Rattler added 18 rush attempts for 146 yards on the ground and also fumbled five times. He is going to be on a short leash if he struggles, making him more of a QB3 option in superflex fantasy leagues. Avoiding the Saints' QB picture is the smartest strategy.