Who Should I Start? Tutu Atwell or Michael Penix Jr.

Tuesday, September 16, 2:00 AM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell was unable to haul in his lone target during Sunday's Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans. Atwell was projected to be the Rams' No. 3 receiver this season, and in a pass-heavy offense, that role sometimes leads to fantasy value. However, with two games in the books, it has become clear that Atwell is a non-factor. He has just one catch for four yards so far. Fantasy managers holding out hope will point out that the 25-year-old receiver has maintained a 42 percent snap share, but volume is volume, and Atwell hasn't been able to put together much of a rapport with Matthew Stafford so far. Early in the season, he remains behind players like Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Jordan Whittington, and Tyler Higbee in the pass-catching pecking order.

Tuesday, September 16, 3:45 PM

The Atlanta Falcons really did not need to rely on the left arm of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in Week 2 in their 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. Penix attempted only 21 passes on the night, completing 13 of them for 135 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He carried the ball just once for a loss of a yard and was sacked three times for a loss of 27 yards. The Falcons were content to let running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier carry the load in a game in which Atlanta was ahead from start to finish. When Penix dropped back to pass, he mostly worked the short areas of the field. This type of game script could happen again in Week 3 versus the division-rival Carolina Panthers, but Penix showed in Week 1 that he can sling the ball around the yard when needed, as he nearly threw for 300 yards and a touchdown. Penix is a solid QB2 stash with upside in his first year as the Falcons' full-time starter under center.