Michael Penix Jr. Fantasy outlook, stats and Week 8 start/sit for 2026
- Age
- 26
- Height / weight
- 6'3", 220 lb
- Experience
- 3rd season
2026 Season
- PPR PPG
- 17.1
- Pos rank
- QB18
- Rostered
- 25%
Week 8 at Buccaneers, Sun Nov 1, 1:00 PM ET 25th vs. QBs, tough
Michael Penix Jr. Fantasy Football
QB, Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr.'s 2026 Season, Week by Week
5 games played: one top-5 week and four mid-range starts. The next four matchups are a tough stretch ahead.
- Week 5, vs BAL,14.4, QB18,Loss
- Week 6, vs CHI,23.1, QB5,Loss
- Week 7, vs SF,20.4, QB8,Win
- Up next. Week 8, at TB,25th vs QB,Tough
- Week 9, vs CIN,15th vs QB,Neutral
- Week 10, vs KC,30th vs QB,Tough
- Week 11,Bye,No game
Matchup rank is PPR points allowed to QBs through Week 7. 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Should You Start or Roster Michael Penix Jr.?
Penix Jr. is a QB2/streaming option. He is QB18 at 17.1 PPR PPG, supported by an 84th-percentile td rate. His best upcoming spot is the Bengals in Week 9, while the Vikings in Week 12 is a tougher matchup.
Completion rate
66.7%69th percentile, about average
Yards per attempt
8.081st percentile, above average
TD rate
6.3%84th percentile, above average
Fantasy points per play
0.5572nd percentile, above average
Michael Penix Jr. 2026 Game Log
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | @ Packers | W 35–14 | 15.0 | QB21 |
| 4 | @ Saints | W 45–24 | 12.7 | QB24 |
| 5 | vs Ravens | L 23–30 | 14.4 | QB18 |
| 6 | vs Bears | L 23–31 | 23.1 | QB5 |
| 7 | vs 49ers | W 29–20 | 20.4 | QB8 |
| Total | 3–2 | 85.7 | QB18 |
Career Fantasy Stats by Season
| Season | Team | GP | Pass yds | TD | INT | Rush yds | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ATL | 5 | 1,157 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 85.7 | 17.1 | - |
| 2025 | ATL | 9 | 1,982 | 9 | 3 | 70 | 123.3 | 13.7 | QB33 |
| 2024 | ATL | 5 | 775 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 47.1 | 9.4 | QB45 |
| Career | 19 | 3,914 | 21 | 7 | 85 | 256.1 | 13.5 |
Rest-of-Season Outlook and Availability
Outlook
The upside lives in the arm. He stacked 26 throws of 20-plus yards and a 69-yard long despite the truncated workload, and his sturdier 2024 cameo flashed a 0.131 EPA per play. Behind him on the depth chart: Tua Tagovailoa. Full outlook
Injury status
Active, no designation
He has missed 2 games this season. He played through a chest issue in Week 5. Career games missed to injury: 10. Injury history
- 2026chestPlayed through
- 2026knee2 games
- 2025kneePlayed through
- 2025left knee7 games
More on Michael Penix Jr and the Falcons
- Falcons depth chartWho starts, who backs up, and who is next man upOpen
- Falcons scheduleEvery remaining opponent and the fantasy matchupOpen
- QB rest-of-season rankingsWhere every QB ranks for the rest of 2026Open
- QB strength of scheduleWhich defenses QBs face the rest of the wayOpen
- QB projectionsWeekly and rest-of-season QB projectionsOpen
- Trade value chartWhat every player is worth in a redraft tradeOpen
- Falcons usage reportSnap share, targets and touches by playerOpen
- Dynasty QB rankingsLong-term QB values for dynasty leaguesOpen
- Redraft rankings2026 redraft rankings across all positionsOpen
- Dynasty rankingsDynasty Command consensus valuesOpen
QBs like Michael Penix Jr.
QB15Matthew StaffordRams18.6 PPG
QB16C.J. StroudTexans18.5 PPG
QB17Patrick MahomesChiefs17.3 PPG
QB18You are hereMichael Penix Jr.Falcons17.1 PPG
QB19Aaron RodgersSteelers16.8 PPG
QB20Jalen HurtsEagles16.6 PPG
QB21Jacoby BrissettCardinals16.2 PPG
Michael Penix Jr. Fantasy Football FAQ
Should I start Michael Penix Jr. in Week 8?
Michael Penix Jr. is a streaming option in one-QB leagues and a starter in superflex and two-QB leagues for Week 8 at the Buccaneers, as the QB18 in PPR points per game this season (17.1 a game). The Buccaneers rank 25th in PPR points allowed to QBs, a tough matchup. Get the start/sit call for Penix Jr..
How many fantasy points is Michael Penix Jr. averaging in 2026?
Michael Penix Jr. is averaging 17.1 PPR fantasy points per game in 2026, 85.7 points across 5 games. His last game produced 20.4 points.
Where does Michael Penix Jr. rank in fantasy football in 2026?
Michael Penix Jr. ranks QB18 in PPR points per game in 2026 and QB21 in total points, through 5 games. That makes him a streaming option in one-QB leagues and a starter in superflex and two-QB leagues. View his complete season statistics.
Is Michael Penix Jr. worth rostering in fantasy football?
Yes, in the right league: Michael Penix Jr. is a weekly starter in superflex and 2QB leagues and a streamer in 1QB leagues. He is rostered in 25% of leagues.
What is Michael Penix Jr.'s fantasy football role?
Michael Penix Jr. is the Falcons' starting QB, with Tua Tagovailoa behind him. He is averaging 28.8 pass attempts and 2.4 carries a game in 2026.
What are Michael Penix Jr.'s upcoming fantasy football matchups?
Michael Penix Jr.'s next three games are Week 8 at the Buccaneers (25th in PPR points allowed to QBs, tough), Week 9 vs. the Bengals (15th in PPR points allowed to QBs, neutral) and Week 10 vs. the Chiefs (30th in PPR points allowed to QBs, tough). Zero of them are favorable by points allowed to the position.
How consistent has Michael Penix Jr. been in fantasy football this season?
Michael Penix Jr. has finished as a top-12 QB in 2 of his 5 games this season. His weekly scoring has a standard deviation of 4.4 points around his 17.1-point average.
What is Michael Penix Jr.'s fantasy floor and ceiling?
This season Michael Penix Jr.'s floor has been 12.7 PPR points (Week 4, QB24) and his ceiling 23.1 (Week 6, QB5). His median week has been 15.0 points. See Penix Jr.'s full game log.
Michael Penix Jr. 2026 Stats
Touchdowns account for 42% of his fantasy production, making his weekly output highly TD-dependent.
- Pass yards
- 1,157
- 8.0 Y/A
- Comp %
- 66.7%
- 96/144 Comp/Att
- Pass TD
- 9
- 109.1 Rating
- INT
- 1
- Rushing
- 4
- 12 Att · 0.3 Y/C
Michael Penix Jr. Passing Stats
Short/intermediate distributor · Low volume · Above-average efficiency
Efficiency
- EPA per play - 11th of 37 QBs+0.1411th of 37
- Success rate - 19th of 37 QBs44.8%19th of 37
- Completion rate - 10th of 37 QBs66.7%10th of 37
- Yards per attempt - 8th of 37 QBs8.08th of 37
- TD rate - 6th of 37 QBs6.3%6th of 37
Usage
- Pass attempts per game - 26th of 37 QBs28.826th of 37
Style
- Air yards per attempt - Deeper than 31% of QBs7.126th of 37
- Deep-attempt rate - More aggressive than 22% of QBs8.5%29th of 37
Context
- Completion % over expected - 24th of 37 QBs+0.124th of 37
- Pressure rate - 9 sacks, 2nd of 37 QBs12.2%2nd of 37
Ranks: 2026 through Week 7 among 37 qualified QBs.
Passing profile
Penix Jr. finishes drives with touchdowns and gains a lot per attempt.
Fantasy impact
His floor is his volume: 28.8 pass attempts and 2.4 carries a game this season. Efficiency decides how much of it becomes points.
Fantasy Points per Game, Every Season
13.5
Career PPG
19 games, 3 seasons
46%
Availability
Share of team games played
32%
Top-12 weeks
QB1 finishes
7.5
Weekly swing
Moderate week-to-week
What His Career Numbers Say
Penix Jr. has averaged 13.5 fantasy points per game over 19 games and 3 seasons, without a top-12 finish.
So far in 2026 he is at 17.1 per game, up 3.4 from 2025. That is despite less volume (28.8 pass attempts a game against 30.7), so efficiency and scoring are doing it. His most-targeted receivers this season have been Drake London and Bijan Robinson.
Career numbers describe the past; for what he is worth from here, see Penix Jr.'s rest-of-season rank and trade value in Redraft Command.
Career highs
- 1,982Pass yards2025
- 9Pass TD2026
- 123.3Fantasy pts2025 · QB33
- 3,914Career pass yds2024–2026
QBs like Michael Penix Jr.
QB15Matthew StaffordRams18.6 PPGQB16C.J. StroudTexans18.5 PPGQB17Patrick MahomesChiefs17.3 PPGQB18You are hereMichael Penix Jr.Falcons17.1 PPGQB19Aaron RodgersSteelers16.8 PPGQB20Jalen HurtsEagles16.6 PPGQB21Jacoby BrissettCardinals16.2 PPGMichael Penix Jr. Stats FAQ
How many fantasy points does Michael Penix Jr. have in 2026?
Michael Penix Jr. has 85.7 PPR fantasy points in 2026 through Week 7, 17.1 per game across 5 games. That total ranks QB21 at the position. See how those numbers break down week by week.
How many passing yards does Michael Penix Jr. have this season?
Michael Penix Jr. has 1,157 passing yards in 2026 through Week 7, 231 a game over 5 games, on 96 of 144 completions. His high was 256 yards, in Week 3 at the Packers.
How many passing touchdowns does Michael Penix Jr. have this season?
Michael Penix Jr. has thrown 9 touchdown passes in 2026 through Week 7.
How many interceptions has Michael Penix Jr. thrown this season?
Michael Penix Jr. has thrown 1 interception in 2026 through Week 7, one every 144 attempts, against 9 touchdown passes.
What is Michael Penix Jr.'s completion percentage?
Michael Penix Jr. is completing 66.7% of his passes in 2026, 96 of 144, at 8.0 yards per attempt.
How many rushing yards does Michael Penix Jr. have this season?
Michael Penix Jr. has 4 rushing yards on 12 carries in 2026 through Week 7. His high was 8 yards, in Week 5 against the Ravens.
How many games has Michael Penix Jr. played in 2026?
Michael Penix Jr. has played 5 games in the 2026 season through Week 7, after missing 2 games to injury.
What were Michael Penix Jr.'s stats last season?
In 2025, Michael Penix Jr. completed 166 of 276 passes for 1,982 yards, 9 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, adding 70 rushing yards in 9 games. That was 123.3 PPR points (13.7 per game), a QB33 finish.
What are Michael Penix Jr.'s career NFL stats?
Across 3 seasons and 19 games, Michael Penix Jr. has 3,914 passing yards, 21 touchdown passes and 7 interceptions, plus 85 rushing yards, for 256.1 PPR fantasy points (13.5 per game).
How many touchdowns does Michael Penix Jr. have in his career?
Michael Penix Jr. has thrown 21 touchdown passes and run for 2 touchdowns in his NFL career, 23 in all, over 19 games.
How many career passing yards does Michael Penix Jr. have?
Michael Penix Jr. has 3,914 career passing yards over 3 seasons, on 323 completions in 525 attempts.
Michael Penix Jr. Game Log 2026
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | CMP/ATT | PASS YDS | PASS TD | INT | CAR | RUSH YDS | RUSH TD | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did not play (knee) | ||||||||||
| 2 | Did not play (knee) | ||||||||||
| 3 | GB29th | W 35-14 | 15.0 | 18/25 | 256 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -2 | 0 | QB21 |
Week 3 · GB · W 35-14 · 15.0 pts
How the 15.0 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 4 | NO14th | W 45-24 | 12.7 | 15/20 | 223 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 | QB24 |
Week 4 · NO · W 45-24 · 12.7 pts
How the 12.7 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 5 | BAL24th | L 23-30 | 14.4 | 19/32 | 240 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 0 | QB18 |
Week 5 · BAL · L 23-30 · 14.4 pts
How the 14.4 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 6 | CHI21st | L 23-31 | 23.1 | 19/33 | 225 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | QB5 |
Week 6 · CHI · L 23-31 · 23.1 pts
How the 23.1 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 7 | SF22nd | W 29-20 | 20.4 | 25/34 | 213 | 3 | 0 | 5 | -1 | 0 | QB8 |
Week 7 · SF · W 29-20 · 20.4 pts
How the 20.4 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| Avg | 5 games | 3-2 | 17.1 | 19.2/28.8 | 231.4 | 1.8 | 0.2 | 2.4 | 0.8 | 0.0 | QB15 |
Opponent rank is fantasy points allowed to QBs across 2026: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
2 QB1 · 3 QB2
Game-by-Game Breakdown
QB1 week vs. San Francisco
25/34, 213 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT. 5 carries, -1 yds.
15 of his 34 throws went to Drake London (10 targets) and Bijan Robinson (5), and his TD passes went to Nick Muse, Kyle Pitts Sr. and London. Just 6.3 yards per attempt. A clean, mistake-free start that landed well above his season average.
Season high in a loss
19/33, 225 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT. 1 carry, 1 yds. 1 fumble lost.
17 of his 33 throws went to Drake London (10 targets) and Kyle Pitts Sr. (7), and his TD passes went to Jahan Dotson and Pitts Sr.. At 6.8 yards per attempt, most of it came underneath. One lost fumble in a game that landed well above his season average.
Steady in a loss vs. Baltimore
19/32, 240 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT. 2 carries, 8 yds.
18 of his 32 throws went to Drake London (11 targets) and Bijan Robinson (7), and his TD pass went to Kyle Pitts Sr.. At 7.5 yards per attempt, most of it came underneath. A clean, mistake-free start that landed well below his season average.
Efficient in a road upset
15/20, 223 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT. 2 carries, -2 yds.
9 of his 20 throws went to Drake London (6 targets) and Jahan Dotson (3), and his TD pass went to Dotson. His most efficient game of the season at 11.2 yards per attempt. A clean, mistake-free start that landed well below his season average.
Efficient in a road upset
18/25, 256 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT. 2 carries, -2 yds.
13 of his 25 throws went to Drake London (10 targets) and Jahan Dotson (3), and his TD pass went to Austin Hooper. At 10.2 yards per attempt, he pushed the ball downfield. One interception in a game that landed well below his season average.
Upcoming Matchups
View matchup - Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
View matchup - Atlanta Falcons vs Cincinnati Bengals
View matchup - Atlanta Falcons vs Kansas City Chiefs
View matchup - Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings
Michael Penix Jr. Game Log 2025
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | CMP/ATT | PASS YDS | PASS TD | INT | CAR | RUSH YDS | RUSH TD | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TB3rd | L 20-23 | 24.0 | 27/42 | 298 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 21 | 1 | QB10 |
Week 1 · TB · L 20-23 · 24.0 pts
How the 24.0 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 2 | MIN32nd | W 22-6 | 5.3 | 13/21 | 135 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 | QB32 |
Week 2 · MIN · W 22-6 · 5.3 pts
How the 5.3 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 3 | CAR30th | L 0-30 | 5.8 | 18/36 | 172 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 0 | QB31 |
Week 3 · CAR · L 0-30 · 5.8 pts
How the 5.8 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 4 | WAS6th | W 34-27 | 19.7 | 20/26 | 313 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 0 | QB12 |
Week 4 · WAS · W 34-27 · 19.7 pts
How the 19.7 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 5 | Bye week | ||||||||||
| 6 | BUF28th | W 24-14 | 14.6 | 20/32 | 250 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 0 | QB20 |
Week 6 · BUF · W 24-14 · 14.6 pts
How the 14.6 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 7 | SF9th | L 10-20 | 12.2 | 21/38 | 241 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 0 | QB19 |
Week 7 · SF · L 10-20 · 12.2 pts
How the 12.2 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 8 | Did not play (knee) | ||||||||||
| 9 | NE24th | L 23-24 | 22.7 | 22/37 | 221 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 19 | 0 | QB11 |
Week 9 · NE · L 23-24 · 22.7 pts
How the 22.7 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 10 | IND14th | L 25-31 | 11.0 | 12/28 | 177 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 | QB20 |
Week 10 · IND · L 25-31 · 11.0 pts
How the 11.0 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 11 | CAR30th | L 27-30 | 7.9 | 13/16 | 175 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 0 | QB27 |
Week 11 · CAR · L 27-30 · 7.9 pts
How the 7.9 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 12 | Did not play (knee) | ||||||||||
| 13 | Did not play (knee) | ||||||||||
| 14 | Did not play (knee) | ||||||||||
| 15 | Did not play (knee) | ||||||||||
| 16 | Did not play (knee) | ||||||||||
| 17 | Did not play (knee) | ||||||||||
| 18 | Did not play (knee) | ||||||||||
| Avg | 9 games | 3-6 | 13.7 | 18.4/30.7 | 220.2 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 2.3 | 7.8 | 0.1 | QB20 |
Opponent rank is fantasy points allowed to QBs across 2025: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
3 QB1 · 3 QB2 · 3 busts
Also: Wk 4 (QB12), Wk 10 (QB20)
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Shut down by Carolina
13/16, 175 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT. 1 carry, 9 yds.
16 of his 16 throws went to Drake London (9 targets) and Darnell Mooney (7). At 10.9 yards per attempt, he pushed the ball downfield. A clean, mistake-free start that landed well below his season average.
Steady in a loss at Indianapolis
12/28, 177 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT. 1 carry, -1 yds. 1 fumble lost.
16 of his 28 throws went to Drake London (8 targets) and Darnell Mooney (8), and his TD pass went to London. At 6.3 yards per attempt, most of it came underneath. One lost fumble in a game that landed well below his season average.
QB1 week at New England
22/37, 221 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT. 2 carries, 19 yds.
24 of his 37 throws went to Drake London (14 targets) and Bijan Robinson (10), and his TD pass went to London. At 6.0 yards per attempt, most of it came underneath. A clean, mistake-free start that landed well above his season average.
Steady in a loss at San Francisco
21/38, 241 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT. 2 carries, 6 yds. 1 fumble lost.
20 of his 38 throws went to Kyle Pitts Sr. (10 targets) and Drake London (10), and his TD pass went to Bijan Robinson. At 6.3 yards per attempt, most of it came underneath. One lost fumble in a game that landed well below his season average.
Steady in a win vs. Buffalo
20/32, 250 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT. 2 carries, 6 yds.
24 of his 32 throws went to Drake London (16 targets) and Bijan Robinson (8), and his TD pass went to London. A clean, mistake-free start that landed right at his season average.
QB1 week vs. Washington
20/26, 313 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT. 4 carries, 2 yds.
15 of his 26 throws went to Drake London (10 targets) and Bijan Robinson (5), and his TD passes went to London and Kyle Pitts Sr.. His most efficient game of the season at 12.0 yards per attempt. One interception in a game that landed well above his season average.
Shut down by Carolina
18/36, 172 yds, 0 TD, 2 INT. 2 carries, 9 yds.
19 of his 36 throws went to Darnell Mooney (11 targets) and Drake London (8). Just 4.8 yards per attempt. Two interceptions in a game that landed well below his season average.
Held in check by Minnesota
13/21, 135 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT. 1 carry, -1 yds.
10 of his 21 throws went to Bijan Robinson (5 targets) and Kyle Pitts Sr. (5). At 6.4 yards per attempt, most of it came underneath. A clean, mistake-free start that landed well below his season average.
QB1 week vs. Tampa Bay
27/42, 298 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT. 6 carries, 21 yds, 1 TD.
A 42-attempt game produced two total touchdowns. 23 of those throws went to Drake London (15 targets) and Kyle Pitts Sr. (8), and his TD pass went to Bijan Robinson. At 7.1 yards per attempt, most of it came underneath.
QBs like Michael Penix Jr.
QB15Matthew StaffordRams18.6 PPGQB16C.J. StroudTexans18.5 PPGQB17Patrick MahomesChiefs17.3 PPGQB18You are hereMichael Penix Jr.Falcons17.1 PPGQB19Aaron RodgersSteelers16.8 PPGQB20Jalen HurtsEagles16.6 PPGQB21Jacoby BrissettCardinals16.2 PPGMichael Penix Jr. Game Log FAQ
How did Michael Penix Jr. do in his last game?
Michael Penix Jr. scored 20.4 PPR points in Week 7 against the 49ers, a 29–20 win, a QB8 finish. He completed 25 of 34 passes for 213 yards with 3 touchdowns, and ran 5 times for -1 yards. View his 2026 season totals.
How many fantasy points did Michael Penix Jr. score in his last game?
Michael Penix Jr. scored 20.4 PPR fantasy points in his last game, Week 7 against the 49ers, a QB8 finish for the week. That was 3.3 above his season average of 17.1.
How many passing yards did Michael Penix Jr. have in his last game?
Michael Penix Jr. threw for 213 yards in Week 7 against the 49ers, completing 25 of 34 passes, and added -1 rushing yards.
How many touchdowns did Michael Penix Jr. throw in his last game?
Michael Penix Jr. threw 3 touchdown passes in Week 7 against the 49ers without an interception.
What were Michael Penix Jr.'s stats in Week 6?
In Week 6 against the Bears, a 31–23 loss, Michael Penix Jr. completed 19 of 33 passes for 225 yards with 3 touchdowns, and ran 1 time for 1 yards. That was 23.1 PPR points, a QB5 finish.
What was Michael Penix Jr.'s best game this season?
Michael Penix Jr.'s best 2026 game was Week 6 against the Bears: 23.1 PPR points, a QB5 finish. He completed 19 of 33 passes for 225 yards with 3 touchdowns, and ran 1 time for 1 yards.
What was Michael Penix Jr.'s worst game this season?
Michael Penix Jr.'s lowest-scoring 2026 game was Week 4 at the Saints: 12.7 PPR points, a QB24 finish. He completed 15 of 20 passes for 223 yards with 1 touchdown, and ran 2 times for -2 yards.
In how many games has Michael Penix Jr. thrown a touchdown pass this season?
Michael Penix Jr. has thrown a touchdown pass in 5 of his 5 games this season, and scored a touchdown of any kind in 5.
Can I see Michael Penix Jr.'s game logs from previous seasons?
Yes. The season selector above the game log switches it to Penix Jr.'s weekly results from any season from 2024 through 2025.
Michael Penix Jr. Rest-of-Season Outlook
Through 5 games he's QB18 at 17.1 PPR points per game, against 13.7 over 9 games last season (QB33). He's running ahead of last season's pace.
The main risk is the job itself. He's the listed starter with Tua Tagovailoa next on the depth chart, and a benching or an injury would take his value to zero overnight.
Read our preseason outlook (June 2026)
Published June 16, 2026. Kept for reference; the take above replaces it.
Penix enters his first full season as Atlanta's starter carrying a thin but loud nine-game sample. He finished QB29 in 2025 with 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns and just three picks across nine starts, posting a modest 0.016 EPA per play and a 44.8% success rate. The accuracy still lags: a 60.1% completion rate, minus-3.6 CPOE and a 24% bad-throw rate say his deep-shot profile (12.1% of attempts) outran his ball placement.
The upside lives in the arm. He stacked 26 throws of 20-plus yards and a 69-yard long despite the truncated workload, and his sturdier 2024 cameo flashed a 0.131 EPA per play. With 13 sacks and four fumbles, ball security and protection are the swing factors. Project a full 17, and the volume alone lifts him into low-end QB2 territory with weekly ceiling games baked in. A leap in efficiency is the difference between streamer and starter.
What Drives His Outlook
His 2026 rank through Week 7 among the 25 quarterbacks who have played at least six games. Each bar is one quarterback, best on the left; his is highlighted.
Passing volume
Fewer than 6 games in 2026, so not ranked.
Efficiency
Fewer than 6 games in 2026, so not ranked.
Rushing
Fewer than 6 games in 2026, so not ranked.
- Success rate
- 44.8%
- CPOE
- +0.1
- Sacks taken
- 9
- Pressure rate
- 12.2%
- Bad-throw rate
- 10.7%
- Deep-attempt rate
- 8.5%
What Could Change His Value
Upside
- The scheduleNone of his next four opponents is a top-10 matchup for QBs.Wk 8 TB, 25thWk 9 CIN, 15thWk 10 KC, 30thWk 12 MIN, 32nd
Risk
- Job securityTua Tagovailoa is next on the depth chart; a benching or injury hands him the job.
- Tough matchupsThe Buccaneers in Week 8 (25th) and the Chiefs in Week 10 (30th) are among the stingiest defenses against QBs.
- Pressure and sacks9 sacks and a 12.2% pressure rate in 2026.
QBs like Michael Penix Jr.
QB15Matthew StaffordRams18.6 PPGQB16C.J. StroudTexans18.5 PPGQB17Patrick MahomesChiefs17.3 PPGQB18You are hereMichael Penix Jr.Falcons17.1 PPGQB19Aaron RodgersSteelers16.8 PPGQB20Jalen HurtsEagles16.6 PPGQB21Jacoby BrissettCardinals16.2 PPGMichael Penix Jr. Fantasy Outlook FAQ
What is Michael Penix Jr.'s fantasy outlook for the rest of the 2026 season?
Michael Penix Jr. projects as a qB2 with streaming weeks for the rest of the 2026 season: a weekly starter in superflex and 2QB leagues and a streamer in 1QB leagues. See his live rank in Redraft Command.
What is Michael Penix Jr.'s rest-of-season fantasy ranking?
Michael Penix Jr. is the QB18 in PPR points per game through Week 7. That puts him in QB2 territory, a streamer in 12-team 1QB leagues.
What is Michael Penix Jr.'s projected role going forward?
Michael Penix Jr. is the listed starting QB, with Tua Tagovailoa next on the depth chart. Nothing on the chart threatens the job, so the role is his to lose on performance.
Will Michael Penix Jr. get more pass attempts?
Michael Penix Jr.'s pass attempts are trending up: 33.5 a game over his last two games against 28.8 for the season. Game script drives much of that, and trailing teams throw more.
What is Michael Penix Jr.'s fantasy football upside?
Michael Penix Jr.'s upside: his ceiling this season is 23.1 PPR points (Week 6, QB5).
What could hurt Michael Penix Jr.'s fantasy value?
Michael Penix Jr.'s risks: Tua Tagovailoa is next on the depth chart if he is benched or hurt and the Buccaneers in Week 8 and the Chiefs in Week 10 are tough matchups. See his injury status and history.
How difficult is Michael Penix Jr.'s remaining fantasy schedule?
Difficult: of his next seven games, 2 come against a top-10 matchup for QBs and 4 against one of the stingiest defenses, by PPR points allowed to the position.
Michael Penix Jr. Injury Update & History
Is Michael Penix Jr. injured?
Practice participation
Week 8 reports: Wed, Thu, Fri| Week | Injury | Wed | Thu | Fri | Game status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 8@ TB, Nov 1 | - | Oct 28 | Oct 29 | Oct 30 | Due Fri |
| Week 6vs CHI, Oct 18 | - | Full | Full | Full | Played |
| Week 3@ GB, Sep 24 | - | Mon - | Tue - | Wed Full | Played |
| Week 2vs CAR, Sep 20 | Knee | - | - | Full | Out |
Injury History at a Glance
Four logged injuries in three seasons, including three knee injuries. Most of his lost time came from a bone bruise in 2025; nothing else has cost him more than 2 games.
Durability
52/100
Games missed
Injuries
Longest absence
Bone bruise · 2025
Where He's Been Hurt
Marker size shows games missed. A dashed ring means he played through it.
| Body part | Injuries | Games missed |
|---|---|---|
| Knee | 3 | 10 |
| Chest / ribs | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 4 | 10 |
Injury risk profile: High
- Knee injuries in 2025, 2025 and 2026
- 2 games missed to injury in 2026
- 10 games in 3 seasons, 8 of them in 2025
- 4 injuries spread across 2 body parts
Michael Penix Jr. Injury History
Every logged injury, most recent first. Games missed are regular-season games.
- 2026
Ribs Played through
Hurt during the Week 5 game against the Ravens and listed with a chest injury from Week 6 and played through it without missing time.
The playQ4 00:27 vs BAL(Shotgun) 9-M.Penix sacked at ATL 31 for -10 yards (95-T.Robinson). FUMBLES (95-T.Robinson) [95-T.Robinson], recovered by ATL-64-R.Neuzil at ATL 31.
- Wk 6 Full · no designation
- 2026
Knee 2 games
Listed on the injury report with a knee injury from Week 1; missed Weeks 1 and 2.
- Wk 1 Full · Out
- Wk 2 Full · Out
- Wk 3 Full · no designation
- 2025
Questionable, surgery Played through
Questionable: Surgery
- 2025
Bone Bruise, surgery · Left 8 games
Missed the Week 8 game against the Miami Dolphins due to a bone bruise in his left knee. Suffered a partially torn ACL in his left knee against the Carolina Panthers, which required season-ending surgery.
If Penix Jr. Misses Time
Next man up: Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa is next on the Falcons depth chart at quarterback. In superflex leagues he's worth a speculative bench spot for Penix Jr. managers; in 1QB leagues he's a waiver add only if Penix Jr. misses time.
Who else it affects
A quarterback change matters most for Drake London and Bijan Robinson, his two most-targeted pass catchers this season.
QBs like Michael Penix Jr.
QB15Matthew StaffordRams18.6 PPGQB16C.J. StroudTexans18.5 PPGQB17Patrick MahomesChiefs17.3 PPGQB18You are hereMichael Penix Jr.Falcons17.1 PPGQB19Aaron RodgersSteelers16.8 PPGQB20Jalen HurtsEagles16.6 PPGQB21Jacoby BrissettCardinals16.2 PPGMichael Penix Jr. Injury FAQ
Is Michael Penix Jr. injured?
No. As of October 28, 2026, Michael Penix Jr. is active with no injury designation. He has missed 2 games this season.
Is Michael Penix Jr. playing this week?
Michael Penix Jr. has no injury designation for Week 8 at the Buccaneers on Sunday, November 1, so he is on track to play. Penix Jr. was on the Week 6 report, practiced in full on Friday and played. A full practice to open the week is the lowest-concern signal on an injury report. Should you start him?
Has Michael Penix Jr. missed any games this season?
Yes. Michael Penix Jr. has missed 2 games in 2026 and played in 5.
What is Michael Penix Jr.'s injury history?
Michael Penix Jr. has 4 logged NFL injuries, which have cost him 10 games in all: 8 for a left bone bruise in 2025 and 2 for a knee injury in 2026.
What was Michael Penix Jr.'s most recent injury?
Michael Penix Jr.'s most recent logged injury was a ribs injury in Week 5 of 2026. He played through it and missed no regular-season games.
Does Michael Penix Jr. have any recurring injuries?
Yes: knee injuries in 2025 and 2026 (10 games missed).
What was Michael Penix Jr.'s worst injury?
Michael Penix Jr.'s longest absence came from a left bone bruise in 2025, which cost him 8 games of the 10 he has missed in his career.
Latest Michael Penix Jr. News & Updates
Latest update
Penix Jr. delivers QB1 week vs. San Francisco
20.4 FPTS
W 29–20 vs SFFantasy impact: Volume boost25/34 · 213 YDS · 3 TD · 0 INT
Volume drove it: 34 attempts produced a QB8 finish.
Season Timeline
Week 6Oct 18L 23–31 vs CHI
Fantasy impact: Positive. Penix Jr. posts season high in loss vs. Chicago
23.1 FPTS · 19/33 · 225 YDS · 3 TD · 0 INT
Touchdowns did the work: they made up 52% of his 23.1 points.
Finish: QB5CeilingView Game RecapWeek 5Oct 11L 23–30 vs BAL
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Penix Jr. quiet in loss vs. Baltimore
14.4 FPTS · 19/32 · 240 YDS · 1 TD · 0 INT
32 attempts, but 14.4 points left him under his average.
Finish: QB18NeutralView Game RecapWeek 4Oct 5W 45–24 @ NO
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Penix Jr. quiet in win at New Orleans
12.7 FPTS · 15/20 · 223 YDS · 1 TD · 0 INT
20 attempts, but 12.7 points left him under his average.
Finish: QB24NeutralView Game RecapWeek 3Sep 24W 35–14 @ GB
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Penix Jr. quiet in win at Green Bay
15.0 FPTS · 18/25 · 256 YDS · 1 TD · 1 INT
25 attempts, but 15.0 points left him under his average.
Finish: QB21NeutralView Game Recap
No updates of this type yet this season.
Around the Falcons
Falcons Teammates News
Updates on the players who catch Penix Jr.'s passes.
- Drake London: Leads team with modest totals (opens in new tab)Drake London, WR. 57 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Bijan Robinson: Subdued production in ugly loss (opens in new tab)Bijan Robinson, RB. 32 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Drake London: Nursing minor injury (opens in new tab)Drake London, WR. 57 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNegative
QBs like Michael Penix Jr.
QB15Matthew StaffordRams18.6 PPGQB16C.J. StroudTexans18.5 PPGQB17Patrick MahomesChiefs17.3 PPGQB18You are hereMichael Penix Jr.Falcons17.1 PPGQB19Aaron RodgersSteelers16.8 PPGQB20Jalen HurtsEagles16.6 PPGQB21Jacoby BrissettCardinals16.2 PPGMichael Penix Jr. News FAQ
What is the latest news on Michael Penix Jr.?
The latest Penix Jr. update, from October 25: Penix Jr. delivers QB1 week vs. San Francisco. Penix Jr. completed 25 of 34 passes for 213 yards with three touchdowns in the 29–20 win vs. San Francisco. Drake London led the team with 10 targets.
How does the latest Michael Penix Jr. news affect his fantasy value?
Positively: he scored 20.4 fantasy points, a QB8 finish, 3.3 above his 17.1 average. See the updated fantasy outlook.
Michael Penix Jr. Bio
Michael Penix Jr. is a quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, where he wears No. 9. Born May 8, 2000, he attended Tampa Bay Technical and played college football at Indiana and then Washington.
The Atlanta Falcons selected Penix in round 1, pick 8, of the 2024 NFL Draft.
In 19 regular-season games since 2024, he has thrown for 3,914 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Career Timeline
What happened at each stop
Atlanta Falcons Current team2024–present
Selected in round 1, pick 8, of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was the starter, with 17 starts in 19 games.
College: Indiana, Washington
Trades and Team Changes
- DraftedSelected by the Atlanta Falcons in round 1, pick 8.
QBs like Michael Penix Jr.
QB15Matthew StaffordRams18.6 PPGQB16C.J. StroudTexans18.5 PPGQB17Patrick MahomesChiefs17.3 PPGQB18You are hereMichael Penix Jr.Falcons17.1 PPGQB19Aaron RodgersSteelers16.8 PPGQB20Jalen HurtsEagles16.6 PPGQB21Jacoby BrissettCardinals16.2 PPGAbout Michael Penix Jr.: Bio FAQ
How old is Michael Penix Jr.?
Michael Penix Jr. is 26 years old. He was born on May 8, 2000. 2026 is his 3rd NFL season.
How tall is Michael Penix Jr.?
Michael Penix Jr. is 6 feet 3 inches tall (6'3"), listed at 220 pounds, and plays quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons.
How much does Michael Penix Jr. weigh?
Michael Penix Jr. weighs 220 pounds, his listed weight on the Atlanta Falcons roster. He is listed at 6'3".
What number does Michael Penix Jr. wear?
Michael Penix Jr. wears number 9 for the Atlanta Falcons. He plays quarterback.
What position does Michael Penix Jr. play?
Michael Penix Jr. plays quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, wearing number 9. 2026 is his 3rd season in the NFL.
What team does Michael Penix Jr. play for?
Michael Penix Jr. plays for the Atlanta Falcons as a quarterback. He has been with the Falcons since 2024.
Where did Michael Penix Jr. go to college?
Michael Penix Jr. played college football at Washington, after attending Tampa Bay Technical (FL).
Where is Michael Penix Jr. from?
Michael Penix Jr. went to high school in Florida, at Tampa Bay Technical, before playing college football at Washington.
When is Michael Penix Jr.'s birthday?
Michael Penix Jr.'s birthday is May 8. He was born on May 8, 2000 and is 26 years old.
How long has Michael Penix Jr. been in the NFL?
2026 is Michael Penix Jr.'s 3rd NFL season; he entered the league in 2024. View his career statistics.
What teams has Michael Penix Jr. played for?
Michael Penix Jr. has played for the Atlanta Falcons. View his career statistics.
What year did Michael Penix Jr. enter the NFL?
Michael Penix Jr. entered the NFL in 2024. 2026 is his 3rd season.