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Michael Penix Jr. Has a Quiet Day Passing in Week 9
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed 20 of his 31 pass attempts for 162 yards, one touchdown, and one interception during Sunday's Week 9 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals. He also ran for 50 yards on three rushing attempts. Penix's solid rushing output helped to make up for his low passing yard total, but overall, it was a relatively disappointing outing from the former first-round pick. This was definitely not the way Penix wanted to play in his first game back from a four-turnover showing in Week 8. He now has 10 touchdowns and seven turnovers through seven games in 2026, and he doesn't have a clear path to the top-12 quarterback tier given that the Falcons employ a run-heavy offense centered around Bijan Robinson. Penix may have a little more upside in a projected negative game script environment against the Chiefs in Week 10, but we still think managers could find better options already on their roster or on waivers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Penix Jr. Looks to Bounce Back in Potential Week 9 Shootout
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had a forgettable Week 8, completing just eight of 24 passes for 125 yards and four interceptions. The lefty QB came into last week's contest with two straight three-touchdown performances and a 9:1 TD:INT, so he had been trending up. Perhaps some of the poor statistics can be chalked up to the inclement weather, and the former first-rounder can try to get back on track this weekend in Madrid, Spain in a matchup versus the Bengals. Cincinnati has been middle of the road in terms of allowing fantasy points to opposing QBs, but with the highest projected total on the slate this week (52.5), Penix may have to keep pace with Joe Burrow and company in order to keep this one close. The 26-year-old is ranked as the No. 22 QB overall this week at RotoBaller, but has shown the ability to finish as a QB1, so consider him a volatile low-end QB2 with a low floor and a high ceiling.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Penix Jr. a Deep-League Streaming Option in Week 9
Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. remains a deep-league fantasy starting option for the team's Week 9 test against the Bengals. He struggled in Week 8 against Tampa Bay, completing just 8-of-24 passes for 125 yards. Penix didn't throw a touchdown and was picked off four times. He had 11 rushing yards on five attempts. There were wet and sloppy conditions in that contest, which certainly impacted the passing game and Penix's play. The QB had thrown seven touchdowns to no interceptions in the previous three games combined, so he'll be looking to bounce back this week. Cincinnati is a pretty average matchup for Penix, which keeps him as a deep-league streaming option, even after last week's disastrous showing.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Michael Penix Jr. a Volatile QB2 with QB1 Upside in Week 8
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. defied the odds and guided his team to a win over the previously undefeated 49ers last week, completing 25 of 34 passes for 213 yards and tallying three touchdown passes for the second week in a row. It also marked the fourth straight contest in which the left-handed quarterback did not throw an interception, and he brings a sterling 9:1 TD:INT ratio into Week 8's road matchup against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has made life difficult for opposing signal callers so far this season, ranking as the seventh-stingiest unit in terms of allowing fantasy points to opposing QBs, recording eight interceptions (second-most) through seven games and racking up five sacks against Carolina in their Week 7 contest. But they've been one of the best units against the run, too, which could force Atlanta to pass more. With legit stars on offense, Atlanta can come at teams through the air or on the ground, which could make Penix a volatile play on a week-to-week basis, and he ranks as a mid-range QB2 at RotoBaller for Week 8. However, with back-to-back weeks finishing as a top-10 fantasy QB, the 26-year-old has some upside for those looking for a streamer.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Penix Jr. Is a Streamer Riding a Touchdown Run
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is a streamer worth adding in leagues with at least 14 teams ahead of Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9. He followed his three-touchdown performance against the Chicago Bears with another three scores in Sunday's 29-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, despite throwing for just 213 yards. Penix completed 25 of 34 passes without an interception, connecting with Nick Muse, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London for touchdowns. He also avoided a sack after being brought down five times against the Bears in Week 6. The 26-year-old has thrown six touchdowns without an interception over his past two starts, although his 438 passing yards during that stretch show how heavily his fantasy production has depended on scoring. The volume is steadier: Penix has attempted at least 32 passes in three consecutive games after averaging just 22.5 attempts in his first two starts. With only four rushing yards through five appearances, he is a passing-dependent fantasy option.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Penix Jr. has Efficient Day to Give 49ers Their First Loss
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. led his team to an upset victory over the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers. Penix had a productive and efficient day against the 49ers, as he completed 25 out of 34 passing attempts (73.5%) for 213 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. In fact, the Falcons didn't turn the ball over at all, while the 49ers gave the ball away four times, which obviously played a big role for the Falcons in their win. On Sunday, Penix connected on touchdown passes with wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. and tight end Nick Muse. Penix has now had back-to-back games in which he has thrown for at least 213 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. In the 2026 season, he has recorded nine touchdown passes versus just one pick. Penix is currently rostered in just 18% of Yahoo leagues, but is starting to prove that he is worth more consideration from fantasy managers.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Michael Penix Jr. a Low-End QB2 Against Stout 49ers Defense
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for 225 yards and a season-high three touchdowns with no interceptions in last week's loss to the Bears. He was able to put up those numbers despite completing a season-low 57.6 percent of his passes (19-for-33). That makes back-to-back weeks with sub-60 percent completion rates, and Week 7 brings another tough matchup against the 49ers, who feature Raheem Morris at defensive coordinator, the same person who drafted Penix back in 2024 while serving as the head coach in Atlanta, so he's quite familiar with the left-handed quarterback. The former first-rounder was sacked five times last week, the most he's been sacked in the four games he's played thus far, while Morris' defense is averaging 2.5 sacks per game coming into Week 7 and limiting opposing quarterbacks to only 209.8 yards per game passing, which is just outside the top 10. With a 6:1 TD:INT, the 26-year-old has not thrown the ball to the other team much, but three-touchdown weeks like last week will likely be few and far between. View the University of Washington product as a low-end QB2 against San Francisco, ranking as the No. 22 overall QB at RotoBaller for Week 7.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Penix Jr. a Waiver Priority in Two-QB Leagues After Three-TD Game
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had his most fantasy-friendly day in Sunday's Week 6 loss to the Chicago Bears, as he completed 19 of his season-high 33 pass attempts for 225 yards and three touchdowns. Penix did not throw an interception for the third straight game, and he now has at least one touchdown pass in his four starts in 2026. Down 28-7 going into the fourth quarter in Atlanta, Penix made things interesting late in the game, and the Falcons only lost by one score (eight points). He effectively spread the ball around to all of his weapons, including Drake London, Jahan Dotson, rookie Zachariah Branch, and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. Through four games in his third year in the league, the former eighth overall pick from the University of Washington has completed a career-high 64.5% of his passes for 944 yards, six touchdowns, and just one pick. Penix has a shy-away Week 7 matchup against the 6-0 San Francisco 49ers, but he has quickly put himself on the superflex radar while recovering from a partially torn ACL that he suffered last year. Penix is only rostered in 16% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Falcons Sign Andy Dalton, Release Cooper Rush
The Atlanta Falcons have signed free-agent quarterback Andy Dalton, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Dalton started the 2026 season with the Philadelphia Eagles and threw one pass that was intercepted in Week 3 while Jalen Hurts was in the medical tent. Over 16 seasons, Dalton has completed 63% of his passes for 221 yards per game, with 254 touchdowns and 154 interceptions in 180 games. With Dalton heading to Atlanta, the team released Cooper Rush, who started two games with the team and struggled mightily. Dalton will now join Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, and Jack Strand in a deep quarterback room. While this has no fantasy implications at the moment, keep an eye on the Falcons' backup quarterback job moving forward, as Dalton could supplant Tagovailoa as the direct replacement for Penix.
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Michael Penix Jr. Looks Sharp in Loss
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. put together a strong performance under center during Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. He completed 19-of-33 passing attempts for 225 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions in the loss. Penix was mostly reliable, but he did lose a fumble during this game. This was the first time this season that Penix threw multiple touchdowns in a game. He hasn't been a great fantasy option so far this season, but this performance should give fantasy managers some hope. We'll see what he can put together against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Michael Penix Jr. a Low-End QB2 with Upside Against Depleted Bears
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (ribs) was a full participant in practice all week, and the rib injury that caused him to miss the end of last week's contest doesn't look like it will affect his ability to suit up in Week 6. The left-handed quarterback has been solid-yet-unspectacular in the three games since his return from injury, averaging 240 yards per game passing and posting a 3:1 TD:INT over that span. Week 6 brings a home matchup against a banged-up Bears defense that has limited opposing teams to just 179.8 yards per game through the air, but will be without some key pieces on defense this week, with LB T.J. Edwards (hamstring), DE Dayo Odeyingbo (quadriceps), and DE Montez Sweat (suspended) all set to miss this one. The Falcons have averaged over 34 points per game with Penix under center, but while the injuries could open things up in the pass game, expect the 26-year-old to lean on the team's strong ground attack when close to the end zone. It leaves the third-year pro as a low-end QB2 this week, with some sneaky upside if Atlanta decides to exploit the missing Bears defenders.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Penix Jr. Cleared to Start Sunday
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (ribs) is off the injury report and set to start the team's Week 6 matchup with the Bears, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. After being knocked out of the Falcons' Week 5 overtime loss to the Ravens with a rib injury, Penix has logged a full week of practice participation and carries no injury designation into Sunday. Since returning in Week 3 from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season, Penix has been the fantasy QB20 while notably elevating the ceilings of Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. In a Bears matchup with one of the week's highest over/unders, all of Atlanta's usual playmakers can be started with confidence, though Penix himself is RotoBaller's QB25.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Michael Penix Jr. Expected to Start Sunday
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (ribs) is expected to start Sunday's Week 6 matchup with the Bears, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski and NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Stefanski added that Penix will need to get through the week without any setbacks from the rib injury he sustained Sunday night, but he is trending toward his fourth consecutive start. Penix led the team to victories in each of his first two starts after missing two weeks with the knee injury that ended his 2025 season, but he was watching from the sideline when backup Tua Tagovailoa threw a game-sealing interception in the Week 5 overtime loss to the Ravens. The Falcons face the Bears in Week 6, and if Penix is able to play without limitation, fantasy managers can start both Bijan Robinson and Drake London with the utmost confidence.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Michael Penix Jr. Set to Practice on Wednesday
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (ribs) is set to practice on Wednesday despite suffering a rib injury late in Sunday night's loss to the visiting Baltimore Ravens, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. It is a good sign for Penix's availability in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears, but he should not be considered a lock to play just yet. The 26-year-old went 18-for-25 passing for 256 yards with one touchdown and one interception in Sunday night's loss to Baltimore before taking a shot to his ribs late in the fourth quarter. He was unable to get back on the field in overtime, with backup Tua Tagovailoa taking over and throwing a game-ending interception. Penix got a late start to the 2026 season as he continued his recovery from a partially torn ACL suffered late last year, but once he was cleared, he was Atlanta's clear choice as the starter over Tagovailoa. The former first-rounder has completed 67.5% of his pass attempts for 719 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in his first three starts in 2026. If he is cleared to face Chicago, Penix will be in play this weekend in fantasy as a midrange QB2 in superflex formats.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Michael Penix Jr. a Top Waiver-Wire Target if Injury Isn't a Major Concern
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (rib) should be added in most fantasy football leagues after he strung together three solid performances. Penix now has at least 220 passing yards and one touchdown in each of his three games this year, and his only turnover so far was more than two weeks ago. The big storyline surrounding the 26-year-old now is that he's dealing with a rib injury that he suffered in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens. Fortunately, the injury isn't expected to be serious, but it's still too early to tell whether he'll play in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears. Assuming Penix isn't going to miss a significant amount of time, his impressive and consistent production makes him an intriguing quarterback for managers to target on the waiver wire. There's more than just streaming appeal here; he can be a high-end QB2 for the rest of the season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
