MichaelPenix Jr.

News: 4 days agoPenix completed 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards and an interception in Sunday's 34-7 win over the Giants. He added three rushing yards on four carries.

Spin: Making his first NFL start, Penix mainly tried to minimize his mistakes as Bijan Robinson and the Falcons' defense each supplied two touchdowns in the rout. The rookie quarterback's longest completion went for only 22 yards, and while he has the arm strength to stretch the field, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will likely limit Penix to short, high-percentage looks while Atlanta is still hunting for a playoff spot. The eighth overall pick in the 2024 Draft will face a tougher opponent in a Week 17 clash with the Commanders.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Much to the shock of most of the football world, Penix was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the No. 8 pick in the draft out of Washington. Falcons coach Raheem Morris simply fell in love with Penix and took his guy, despite the Falcons having signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in March. The plan is still for the Falcons to start Cousins at quarterback, meaning Penix will serve as a backup for the next couple of seasons as long as Cousins can stay on the field. Penix is on the "old" side for a rookie, has two right ACL surgeries on his resume, adds little with his legs and won't play any time soon. He should be drafted in dynasty formats only.