MichaelPenix Jr.

News: 3 days agoPenix completed 13 of 21 passes for 135 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in Sunday's 22-6 win over the Vikings.

Spin: The Falcons played from ahead for the entire game, and the team was happy to rely on its running game. That limited Penix's pass attempts, though he wasn't all that efficient with his opportunity, averaging only 6.43 yards per attempt while primarily targeting short areas of the field. Atlanta may be able to control their Week 3 matchup against Carolina in similar fashion, which could lead to another quiet performance from Penix.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Penix is entering his second NFL season and his first as Atlanta's starter. The 2024 No. 8 pick played only three full games as a rookie, with mixed results. He threw for 200-plus yards and one INT in all three, totaling three passing TDs during the stretch. Though he did produce one rushing TD, he was (as expected) a nonfactor with his legs, totaling 11 yards on seven carries. Penix will benefit from a very good supporting cast led by Drake London and Bijan Robinson, but he'll be working in an offense that was third-run-heaviest in the league last season and he's unlikely to add much (if any) value with his legs. Penix should be viewed as no more than a late-round lottery ticket.