Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Michael Penix Jr.

Thursday, October 30, 12:53 AM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has enjoyed a strong start to his first season with the team, completing 68.2% of his passes for 1,754 yards, 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions through seven games. Darnold has established a strong connection with star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and has peppered him with a league-high 34.7% target share. The 28-year-old has been the league's most efficient passer, averaging 9.1 yards per attempt, but it's come on limited volume, with just 27.4 pass attempts per game, ranking 29th in the league. Darnold has appeal as a weekly streamer in the right matchups, but he doesn't have the pass volume to be a reliable weekly starter for fantasy. He does have a great matchup in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders and is ranked as RotoBaller's QB15.

Thursday, October 30, 4:53 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day on Thursday as he battles a bone bruise in his knee. Penix Jr. was sidelined in Week 8 due to the injury. However, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris expressed confidence earlier this week that his starting quarterback would return in Week 9 against the New England Patriots. If that proves not to be the case, Atlanta would likely turn to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who struggled in the team's Week 8 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Across six games played so far this season, Penix Jr. has completed 61% of his pass attempts for 1,409 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 if active in Week 9 against New England.