Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Michael Penix Jr.

Friday, September 12, 5:23 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson should be viewed as a starting option when his team plays host to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. The Iowa product had an unremarkable statistical performance in Week 1, but so did most of the Vikings, who were brutal offensively for three quarters before surging to victory in the fourth against the Bears. This time out, Hockenson faces a Falcons defense that is mid-tier against tight ends while the Vikings are still missing No. 2 wide receiver Jordan Addison (suspension) for another couple weeks. The passing game led by first-time starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy figures to see a boost behind the home crowd, and Hockenson should be one of the biggest benefactors.

Saturday, September 13, 12:56 AM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. performed well in Week 1, completing 27 of 42 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception, while also adding six rushes for 21 yards and a score. In Week 2, he'll have a road matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, who were tough against the run last season, allowing the second-fewest rush yards per game (93.2), and who only allowed 61 rush yards to non-quarterbacks in Week 1. It likely means the Falcons will lean on the pass again in this matchup, and the 25-year-old will have a full complement of receivers as Drake London (shoulder) and Darnell Mooney (shoulder) were both full participants in practice on Friday. The Vikings defense will be without a couple of pieces on Sunday, namely Andrew Van Ginkel (concussion), who nearly led the team in sacks in 2024 with 11.5, so the former first-round draft pick shapes up as a mid-range QB2 this week whose arrow is pointing up.