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The Atlanta Falcons have benched veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., who will make his first-ever start on Sunday at home against the New York Giants.
Penix, the former Washington star and Heisman finalist, went eighth overall to the Falcons in April’s draft despite Atlanta signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal the month before. It seemed like a puzzling move at the time given Atlanta’s investment.
However, the Falcons’ offense underperformed with Cousins under center over the past five weeks. Cousins threw just one touchdown pass and tossed nine interceptions during that span. Atlanta averaged just 14.4 points per game and went 1-4, sneaking by the 2-12 Las Vegas Raiders 15-9 on Monday evening for the lone win.
Cousins struggled mightily in that game, going 11-of-17 for 112 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Falcons leaned heavily on the run game to push the offense forward.
Now Atlanta turns to Penix in hopes of igniting an offense with plenty of talent.
Here’s a look at the Falcons’ top offensive players from a fantasy perspective, with a close on the team’s matchup against the 2-12 Giants.
Michael Penix Jr.
Most fantasy leagues are in the semifinals, so chances are those teams are settled at the quarterback position and don’t need to take a shot on Penix.
However, if you’re looking for some help in a two-QB or superflex league, why not put in a waiver claim for Penix?
He has one of the softest possible matchups to begin his career at home Sunday against a banged-up Giants team that just allowed five passing touchdowns, 290 passing yards and 65 rushing yards to Baltimore Ravens signal-caller Lamar Jackson in a 35-14 loss.
Penix hasn’t shown to be a big threat on the ground (265 career collegiate rushing yards), but he’s a monster through the air, throwing for 9,544 yards and 67 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Washington.
Simply put, the table is set for Penix to have a monstrous debut.
RB Bijan Robinson
There really isn’t too much to discuss here. Even with the Falcons’ struggles, running back Bijan Robinson has been incredible, currently fourth in points-per-game in PPR leagues. He’s unquestionably been a lock to start on fantasy teams all year, and that isn’t changing Sunday.
If anything, Robinson could potentially be in position for an explosive performance Sunday as a home favorite against a bad defense. In daily-fantasy contests, Robinson should be a popular pick.
It’s also possible the Falcons lean a bit more on the run game to take some pressure off the rookie. Atlanta is desperate for a win to stay alive in the NFC South race, so don’t be surprised if Robinson approaches 25-plus touches.
WR Drake London
Drake London found the end zone six times over his first nine games but just once over the past five contests.
He’s been featured despite the team’s offensive slump, averaging 9.8 targets over his past five games.
It’s only resulted in 28 catches for 367 yards and one score, though. That’s a fairly pedestrian stat line for a wide receiver capable of far greater production.
London did hit pay dirt Monday against Las Vegas to break the scoreless streak, but he could find even more success Sunday against a Giants team that just allowed five passing touchdowns.
In sum, London should be a mainstay in fantasy lineups this week.
WR Darnell Mooney
From Weeks 2-10, Darnell Mooney looked like one of the game’s better outside receivers, catching 45 passes for 669 yards and five touchdowns.
It’s been (mostly) tough sledding for Mooney ever since. He did post a six-catch, 142-yard game against the Minnesota Vikings, but he’s also posted 2/27, 3/20 and 0/0 lines over the last four weeks.
Monday marked the first time all season he went without a catch, and he only got one target to boot.
It’s unlikely he’ll see a repeat performance. Mooney averaged 7.6 targets from Weeks 2-15. With Penix now calling shots, expect him to get more looks, especially downfield. Mooney doesn’t need many looks productive on fantasy rosters, so take a chance and keep him in as a WR3 or flex.
TE Kyle Pitts
Kyle Pitts entered the NFL in 2021 with incredible hype, but it hasn’t been realized for one reason or another. He did turn heads in his rookie year with 68 catches for 1,026 yards (albeit for just one touchdown), but he’s posted a per-17 game average of 646 yards ever since.
Pitts has been a non-factor during Cousins’ five-gam slump, catching just 10 passes for 106 yards and zero touchdowns. He did have his moments earlier in the season, such as a 4/91/2 performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a pair of seven-catch days.
Even with a potential quarterback improvement here, it’s just too hard to trust Pitts. He’s just 19th among tight ends in points-per-game in PPR leagues and should likely be kept on benches.
