Who Should I Start? Patrick Mahomes or Michael Penix Jr.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
23.9 19.5 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

Patrick Mahomes News

Patrick Mahomes Will Not Play in Preseason Opener

Thursday, August 13, 8:16 AM

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) will not play in the team's preseason opener on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Andy Reid told Matt McMullen of the team's official website. With Mahomes sitting, Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier, and Chris Oladokun will split up the game under center. Mahomes has been participating in all 11-on-11 work in training camp as he recovers from a torn ACL and LCL in his knee last December, but the Chiefs are in no rush to throw the 30-year-old veteran into a preseason game, especially the first one. Barring a setback with his knee, Mahomes looks to be on track to suit up for the Week 1 showdown against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Monday night on Sept. 14. It will be a pretty tough first matchup for the two-time MVP as he and the Chiefs look to bounce back from missing the postseason entirely in 2025. Mahomes and KC's offense are looking for more explosiveness, and coming off major knee surgery, Mahomes is better off drafted as a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 this year with some question marks about his mobility going forward.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
8.3 3.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Michael Penix Jr. News

Michael Penix Jr. Still Only Doing 7-on-7 Drills

Monday, August 17, 10:01 AM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) remains limited to 7-on-7 work as he continues his recovery from a partially torn ACL in his left knee. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Atlanta has 7-on-7 periods scheduled during this week's joint practices against the Indianapolis Colts specifically so Penix can participate, according to Marc Raimondi. The third-year quarterback still has not been cleared for full 11-on-11 team drills. Penix underwent surgery in late November after the injury ended his 2025 season and has been working through individual drills, one-on-ones and 7-on-7 periods during camp. Getting reps against the Colts defense will give him something different this week without pushing him beyond his current restrictions. Penix has said his goal is to be ready for Week 1, but the Falcons have continued to let the medical staff determine his pace. Until he's cleared for full-team work, there is still another significant step to take in his return.


Patrick Mahomes vs. Michael Penix Jr.

Still trying to decide between Mahomes and Penix Jr.? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Patrick Mahomes is projected to score 23.9 points this week while Michael Penix Jr. is projected to score 8.3 points.