Who Should I Start? Russell Wilson or Michael Penix Jr.

Thursday, May 22, 9:56 PM

The Athletic's Charlotte Carroll writes that there is no open quarterback competition for the New York Giants after they traded back into the first round of this year's NFL draft to take Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss. Head coach Brian Daboll has repeatedly said this offseason that Russell Wilson will take the first-team repetitions to start the spring and is expected to be the Week 1 starter. But because Wilson is only on a one-year deal, he's viewed as a bridge QB. Veteran Jameis Winston is an insurance policy in 2025 and a future backup for Dart in 2026. However, with both Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen on the hot seat after going 9-25 the last two years, pressure could mount in the Big Apple for Dart to get his chance sooner than later in 2025 if Wilson and the G-Men struggle early on. Wilson is still a great deep passer and could click with receiver Malik Nabers, but there's little fantasy upside at this stage of his career.

Sunday, January 5, 5:07 PM

Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. went 21-for-38 with 312 yards, two passing scores and an interception during their overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. Penix added five yards and score on his lone carry. After averaging just 212.5 passing yards during the first two games of his career, Penix enjoyed a strong finish to the 2024 campaign, despite falling just short to the Panthers. The Washington product leaned on his top wideout Drake London as he threw to him 18 times. London also brought in both his touchdown passes and finished the day with 187 receiving yards. The 24-year-old has tallied four total touchdowns over his first three NFL games but sits with a 1-2 record, with both of his losses coming in overtime. Fantasy managers should expect Penix to be in the driver's seat to open as the team's starting QB in 2025.