Who Should I Start? Skylar Thompson or Michael Penix Jr.

Monday, September 30, 6:19 PM

Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) is officially inactive for Monday night's contest at Hard Rock Stadium against the visiting Tennessee Titans and will serve as the team's emergency third QB behind starter Tyler Huntley and backup Tim Boyle. There was some uncertainty as to who would start under center for Miami on Monday night after Thompson injured his ribs in the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Boyle replaced Thompson in that game, but the Dolphins have decided to pivot to the recently signed Huntley, who will be making the 10th start of his career since entering the league in 2020. Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is on Injured Reserve and is out indefinitely. If Huntley handles himself well and gives the team a chance to win on Monday against the Titans, he could be in play to make a second straight start in Week 5 against the division-rival Patriots, regardless of Thompson's health.

Sunday, December 22, 11:30 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. led the Falcons to victory on Sunday in a 34-7 thrashing of the New York Giants, however, it was the run game and defense that was truly responsible for the win. Penix Jr. was 18-for-27 (67%) for 202 yards, but did not throw a touchdown and he tossed one interception, while the Falcons scored two TDs via the rush and the defense had two pick-sixes. The rookie QB wasn't asked to do too much and didn't really need to; look for more of the same next week when the Falcons take on the Commanders in D.C. in a game with playoff implications for both teams. The Commanders have been solid against the pass but not so much against the run, with one of the most fantasy-friendly rush defenses in the NFL. Saquon Barkley just ran for 150 yards and two scores against them in Week 16, so look for Bijan Robinson to carry the load next Sunday, likely leaving Penix Jr. as a low-end QB2 again in Week 17.