Who Should I Start? Trey Lance or Michael Penix Jr.

Tuesday, December 10, 2:19 PM

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance has been backing up veteran Cooper Rush since starter Dak Prescott (hamstring) suffered a season-ending hamstring injury. Lance, the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, is not expected to start any games for America's Team over the next four weeks. "I don't think so, I thought for the most part we did some good things out there," team owner Jerry Jones said. "I still believe [Cooper Rush] gives us our best chance." Rush has tallied 1,191 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, and three interceptions in nine game appearances this season. The Cowboys could be wise to see what they have in Lance before the offseason, but it sounds like the North Dakota State product will not get that opportunity.

Friday, December 20, 10:05 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will make his first career start in Week 16 against the New York Giants. The Falcons are heavy favorites in this one, but that is likely more a product of their one-two punch in the backfield of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier rather than a vote of confidence in the young signal-caller's arm. Not that Penix hasn't been on the big stage before or lacks upside; he led the Washington Huskies to the National Championship game this past January, ultimately losing to Michigan, with Atlanta subsequently taking him with the eighth overall selection in the 2024 Draft, so he's got the talent. But, while the Giants have allowed the third-highest completion percentage and have recorded a league-low two interceptions on the season, they've tallied the seventh-most sacks on the year, so Penix could be under pressure despite some things working in his favor. Hopefully the 24-year-old's receivers have quickly got accustomed to a left-hander throwing a football as well, which could make things a little more challenging than usual on Sunday. Whether it does or not, fantasy managers vying for championships who are also looking for a streaming option should look elsewhere as the former first-rounder projects as a risky, low-end QB2 in Week 16.