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

Tuesday, October 28, 3:54 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence only led the team to one touchdown in their 35-7 blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams in London in Week 7, but he also threw for a season-high 296 yards on 23-for-48 passing with one touchdown. The Jags were on bye last week, but now head into a favorable Week 9 matchup on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday. The 26-year-old former first overall pick probably won't see as much volume this weekend as he did against the Rams in a positive game script, but he deserves streaming consideration at the QB position in fantasy against a Raiders defense that has been a top-15 matchup for opposing signal-callers this year. Lawrence's overall numbers don't jump off the page so far in his fifth NFL season, but his arrow could be pointing up in the second half of the season if he begins to start targeting rookie receiver Travis Hunter more often.

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.