Who Should I Start? Trevor Lawrence or Michael Penix Jr.

Wednesday, April 9, 2:41 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) will be limited during OTAs this offseason, but the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft said he is optimistic he will be full-go for training camp. Lawrence underwent offseason shoulder surgery to fix a left AC joint sprain. He missed seven games last season due to shoulder and head injuries, limiting him to 2,045 passing yards and 11 passing touchdowns. The Jaguars are in the middle of a soft roster rebuild under new general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen. Brian Thomas Jr. looks like the clear WR1 of the future, but the team will need to address the WR2 and TE spots after moving on from Christian Kirk and Evan Engram following the 2025 campaign. Lawrence is unlikely to have QB1 upside in fantasy football next season.

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.