Who Should I Start? Tyree Jackson or Michael Penix Jr.

Tuesday, December 17, 2:18 PM

The Washington Commanders signed tight end Tyree Jackson to the practice squad on Tuesday, according to team reporter John Keim. With Zach Ertz (concussion) in the concussion protocol, the team might need another body at the position ahead of the Week 16 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Jackson, who played quarterback in college at Buffalo, last played in 2021. He appeared in nine games for the Philadelphia Eagles and caught three passes for 22 yards and a touchdown. Needless to say, he is not expected to be on the fantasy football radar even if he's elevated to the active roster for Sunday's NFC East showdown. Rookie Ben Sinnott will start at tight end if Ertz cannot play.

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.