Who Should I Start? Tony Pollard or Michael Penix Jr.

Saturday, September 6, 9:09 AM

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard opens the 2025 season with a difficult Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Pollard averaged 67.4 rushing yards per game last season, and he's facing a Broncos defense that allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards and fourth-fewest rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs last year. While Denver did show some susceptibility against pass-catching backs, Pollard will likely need to touch the ball around 20 times (or score a touchdown) to make him a meaningful fantasy starter. Managers should treat him as an RB3/FLEX option heading into this weekend.

Sunday, September 7, 6:37 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for nearly 300 yards during the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He got the game started off quickly with a 50-yard passing touchdown to Bijan Robinson on the opening drive. The Bucs basically completely stopped the Falcons running game, but Penix was able to keep his team in the game with his arm. He completed 27-of-42 passing attempts for 298 yards and a touchdown. Penix also added 21 yards on the ground on six rushing attempts with an additional touchdown on the ground. The young quarterback was able to hold his own especially without Darnell Mooney (shoulder) and Drake London towards the end of the game. It was a nice season opener for Penix, but he'll have a tough challenge ahead of him against the Minnesota Vikings defense in Week 2.