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Michael Penix Jr. is a fantasy football waiver wire pickup option for quarterbacks. Target him as a free agent add off waivers for Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season.
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 5% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: We're going to take a hard stance on this situation. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was benched for rookie QB Michael Penix Jr., and we're recommending that you add him in all leagues. There are a few reasons for this, but first, let's think about what he did at Washington last season.
A reminder of what Michael Penix Jr is capable of pic.twitter.com/JAehE6Xchh
— Rise Up Penix (@RiseUpReader) December 18, 2024
Wide receivers Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, and Ja'Lynn Polk were his top options to throw to in 2023. He carried them to a National Championship berth and made them all look like Day 1 NFL starters. He propelled Odunze to a top-10 pick, though he's been outplayed by Ladd McConkey and Brian Thomas Jr. handily.
And it's not even just the QB situations for them. McConkey and BTJr have looked fantastic on film. Meanwhile, McMillan ranks 90th out of 97 qualifying receivers by Pro Football Focus. Polk hasn't even earned enough snaps to qualify for a grade, and he can't get playing time on a team that's desperate for WR talent.
Odunze ranks 68th out of 97 qualifying WRs. Are you starting to notice a pattern? Penix is a talent elevator. He was elite, and now he gets a roster with an excellent array of weapons in wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney and running back Bijan Robinson and a solid offensive line.
BREAKING: Falcons name Michael Penix Jr. starting quarterback. pic.twitter.com/PGSnZ4Nxvo
— NFL (@NFL) December 18, 2024
Penix is a fantastic option in deep leagues. Sure, it's his first game starting, but he could be a league-winner in 2QB and Superflex leagues, and he's a great backup option in smaller 1QB leagues. He gets an easy matchup this week, too. We'd recommend you add him.
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