Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Travis Hunter

Tuesday, September 16, 3:45 PM

The Atlanta Falcons really did not need to rely on the left arm of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in Week 2 in their 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. Penix attempted only 21 passes on the night, completing 13 of them for 135 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He carried the ball just once for a loss of a yard and was sacked three times for a loss of 27 yards. The Falcons were content to let running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier carry the load in a game in which Atlanta was ahead from start to finish. When Penix dropped back to pass, he mostly worked the short areas of the field. This type of game script could happen again in Week 3 versus the division-rival Carolina Panthers, but Penix showed in Week 1 that he can sling the ball around the yard when needed, as he nearly threw for 300 yards and a touchdown. Penix is a solid QB2 stash with upside in his first year as the Falcons' full-time starter under center.

Wednesday, September 10, 2:11 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter's two-way role is set to grow in Week 2 as the Jaguars prepare for the Bengals. After logging 44 of 63 offensive snaps and just six on defense in his NFL debut, the staff plans to ease him into packages on the back end while still managing his workload. Hunter already looked comfortable on offense, leading Jacksonville in targets (8) and receptions (6) for 33 yards, and his ability to threaten defenses after the catch should continue to earn designed touches. The added defensive snaps give Jacksonville a flexible chess piece for passing downs and late-game situations. With Cincinnati's defense still unproven, expect Hunter's snap share and impact to climb as the Jaguars find more ways to keep their difference-maker on the field.