Who Should I Start? Tyler Shough or Michael Penix Jr.

Saturday, May 24, 11:22 AM

If New Orleans Saints rookie second-round quarterback Tyler Shough wins the team's QB competition this offseason and starts in Week 1 this fall, he would be the first Week 1 rookie starter for the organization since Archie Manning did it in 1971 after being taken second overall out of Ole Miss. After Derek Carr's abrupt retirement, Shough will be competing with Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener (oblique) for the starting gig under center after being taken 40th overall in the second round in April. He's the third-highest QB selection for the Saints in their history after taking Manning at No. 2 overall and Bo Burris at 27th overall in 1967. Perhaps giving Shough a leg up is the fact that he's old for a rookie -- he will turn 26 on Sept. 28 after seven seasons in college. Considering his draft status, Shough is considered the early favorite to win the job. If he does, he'll be a low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues.

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.