Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Michael Penix Jr.

Sunday, December 22, 7:42 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman caught only one pass Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but made it count for a 14-yard touchdown. He was targeted three times in the 34-17 victory, but Baltimore heavily leaned on its running game, rushing for 220 yards. The Minnesota product was questionable with a foot injury and played through it, but wasn't involved much as the Ravens completed only 15 passes in the game. Bateman should continue to be a boom-or-bust option as Baltimore takes on the Texans in Week 17.

Friday, December 20, 10:05 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will make his first career start in Week 16 against the New York Giants. The Falcons are heavy favorites in this one, but that is likely more a product of their one-two punch in the backfield of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier rather than a vote of confidence in the young signal-caller's arm. Not that Penix hasn't been on the big stage before or lacks upside; he led the Washington Huskies to the National Championship game this past January, ultimately losing to Michigan, with Atlanta subsequently taking him with the eighth overall selection in the 2024 Draft, so he's got the talent. But, while the Giants have allowed the third-highest completion percentage and have recorded a league-low two interceptions on the season, they've tallied the seventh-most sacks on the year, so Penix could be under pressure despite some things working in his favor. Hopefully the 24-year-old's receivers have quickly got accustomed to a left-hander throwing a football as well, which could make things a little more challenging than usual on Sunday. Whether it does or not, fantasy managers vying for championships who are also looking for a streaming option should look elsewhere as the former first-rounder projects as a risky, low-end QB2 in Week 16.