Who Should I Start? Tyrod Taylor or Michael Penix Jr.

Monday, November 17, 12:25 PM

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the New York Jets are making a change at quarterback and will bench Justin Fields in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor, according to a source. The Jets will face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12 and rank last in the league in passing yards per game with 139.9. Fields had a decent day for fantasy managers who started him in last Thursday night's loss to the New England Patriots, but he threw for just 116 yards and a touchdown on 26 pass attempts. Fields has finished under 100 passing yards in four of his nine games in his first year in New York, and the Jets are going to go in another direction as they look for a spark. The 36-year-old Taylor isn't going to be a savior for the Jets, but he could be a steadying presence for the offense. In three games this year, he's gone 43-for-69 for 379 yards with three touchdowns and three picks. At best, Taylor is going to be a low-end desperation streamer for fantasy managers in superflex two-QB leagues going forward.

Monday, November 17, 12:45 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is headed to Injured Reserve after aggravating a bone bruise and knee sprain from earlier this season, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Penix also has damage to his ACL, which could require a full knee reconstruction. The young lefty signal-caller will be forced to miss at least the next four games while on IR, but all signs are pointing to him missing the rest of the 2025 season as well. Veteran Kirk Cousins, who did not look very good in his one start in place of Penix earlier this year, will now be thrust into the starting role in Atlanta for potentially the rest of the year. Fantasy managers might want to temper expectations for Cousins, especially since he'll be without top receiver Drake London (knee) for at least a little while. If the 25-year-old Penix has full knee reconstruction, it's possible he won't be ready to roll for the start of the 2026 season next fall.