MichaelPenix Jr.

News: 5 days agoPenix completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards with one touchdown and one interception while rushing twice for minus-2 yards in the Falcons' 35-14 win over the Packers on Thursday. He also threw a two-point conversion pass.

Spin: Playing in his first game since Week 11 of last season, Penix started off sluggishly Thursday before finding a rhythm and putting together a near-flawless performance. Penix threw his one interception four plays into the night on a pass intended for Jahan Dotson, but he went on to record only five more incompletions the rest of the way while connecting with Austin Hooper for a five-yard touchdown pass just before halftime. Penix's chemistry with Drake London also was in fine form over the last three quarters, and he hit his No. 1 target for gains of 68 and 40 yards in the fourth quarter to help close out the upset victory. Penix should only get more comfortable the further removed he is from the third ACL surgery of his playing career, and he'll look to carry over the considerable momentum from his season debut into a Week 4 road divisional showdown against the Saints on Monday, Oct. 5.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Penix is no longer guaranteed a starting job entering his third season. The 2024 first-round pick has appeared in 14 games and has 14 total touchdowns, a 21% off-target rate and a 60% completion percentage to show for it. Penix has done well to avoid turnovers (six career INTs), but he's a nonfactor with his legs (career 28-81-2 rushing) and failed to post a single fantasy outing better than 10th last season. Penix tore an ACL in Week 11, which further complicates his path to beating out newcomer Tua Tagovailoa for the team's Week 1 starting gig. The 26-year-old might eventually emerge into a fine NFL starter, but even if he does, his lack of rushing will limit his fantasy output. He's well off the fantasy radar.