Amid struggles of quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Atlanta Falcons are making a change to Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback.
The Atlanta Falcons are making a big change at quarterback. With Kirk Cousins struggling to move the ball and complete passes to his own teammates, the Falcons announced they will be starting rookie Michael Penix Jr. in week 16 versus the New York Giants.
Michael Penix Jr. was drafted 8th overall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. At the time, the move was met with curiosity and plenty of raised eyebrows. After securing Kirk Cousins with a 4-year, $180 million contract the Falcons front office was met with plenty of incredulity.
Michael Penix will provide an instant boost to the passing game. His cannon of a left arm will give life to Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and hopefully resuscitate tight end Kyle Pitts. Kirk Cousins showed in recent weeks that he was unable to drive through is lower body to add zip to his passes. This will not be a problem for Michael Penix.
The Falcons offense will get a massive boost. Penix’s ability to sling the football will make life easier for Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier out of the backfield. Fire up all Falcons in week 16 versus the Giants.
Jeremiah Retzlaff, @coachretzlaff1
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (quadriceps) is...
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (quadriceps) ...
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier found the end ...
The Atlanta Falcons have a quarterback conundrum on their hands.
In what is becoming a weekly routine, the Atlanta Falcons fall short in week 14 against the Vikings after a rough outing from Kirk Cousins. The Falcons lost decisively to the tune of 42-21. The calls for Michael Penix Jr. to start at quarterback are getting louder.
Kirk Cousins has thrown 8 interceptions in the last 4 games. While Cousins threw for 344 yards, he ended the day with zero touchdown passes and 2 interceptions. The Falcons have dropped their last 4 games and are now in 2nd place in the NFC East. The Falcons 6-7 record is a cause for concern, however Falcons skill position players remain viable in fantasy football.
Bijan Robinson has been ‘Cousins-proof’ with his fantasy output. The last 2 weeks, Bijan has totaled 25.5 and 20.1 fantasy points. Receiver Darnell Mooney had a superb day with 6 receptions and 142 receiving yards. Drake London had a respectable 70 yards receiving on 5 receptions.
The Falcons get the Raiders on the road in week 15. Aside from Kirk Cousins and Kyle Pitts, Falcons skill position players need to be in lineups. While Tyler Allgeier had a respectable 63 yards rushing and a touchdown, he is only a desperation flex unless he were to get the full workload via a Bijan Robinson injury.
Jeremiah Retzlaff, @coachretzlaff1
Kirk Cousins leads the Falcons to victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 8.
The Atlanta Falcons outlasted the Buccaneers in week 8. Kirk Cousins led the way with 276 passing yards and threw for 4 touchdown passes.
Propelling the passing game was Kyle Pitts who had 4 receptions, 91 receiving yards, and 2 touchdown receptions. Pitts 2nd touchdown was eerily close to being a fumble, however replay concluded that Pitts crossed the plane with the football. Kyle Pitts ends National Tight End week as the TE-2.
In the receiving game, Darnell Mooney led the way with 4 catches for 86 receiving yards and a touchdown reception. His counterpart Drake London had a quiet day with 4 catches for 34 yards. Darnell Mooney ends up as the WR-13 for week 8. Mooney and London both deserve to be in starting lineups in week 9.
On the ground, Bijan Robinson continues to justify his first round ADP price tag. Bijan ends up being the RB-4 on the week in PPR with 23.6 fantasy points. Tyler Allgeier remains one of the best handcuff running backs, but best left on benches in lineup leagues.
The Falcons get a juicy matchup versus the Dallas Cowboys at home in week 9. Fire up Falcons players with confidence!
Jeremiah Retzlaff, @coachretzlaff1
Despite a losing effort, there was plenty of fantasy goodness to be had from the Atlanta Falcons skill position players.
The Atlanta Falcons got trounced at home versus the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday by a score of 34-14. The Falcons were 3 point favorites throughout the week and could not manage to keep the score close.
In the box score, Kirk Cousins had a tough day as he threw for 232 yards, 1 touchdown pass, and 2 interceptions. Kirk Cousins is currently the QB-20 on the week in 4 point per passing touchdown leagues. A bright spot in the passing game was Drake London who logged 6 receptions for 63 receiving yards and a touchdown. London’s 18.3 points currently has him as the WR-7 on the week. London is a set and forget top-12 play the rest of the season.
Kyle Pitts turned in a 13.5 point performance in PPR leagues where he is the TE-7 heading into Monday Night Football. Pitts caught 7 of his 9 targets for 65 yards. Pitts is now a top-6 play on a weekly basis.
The Falcons ground game continued to show its muscle. Bijan Robinson had 23.3 fantasy points and is the current week’s RB-8. Tyler Allgeier didn’t muster much with his 23% snap share.
The Atlanta Falcons are 4-3 and will get a juicy matchup against the division rival Buccaneers in week 8. Continue to start Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson with confidence. Kirk Cousins remains a 2nd QB only in superflex leagues while Tyler Allgeier is best deployed as a stash or a desperation flex play.
-Jeremiah Retzlaff, @coachretzlaff1
Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are one of the top running back duos as the midpoint of the NFL season is approaching.
The Atlanta Falcons backfield is rounding into form in 2024. Bijan Robinson is the current RB-7 while Tyler Allgeier is getting some flex cuff usage which makes him a valuable stash.
Bijan Robinson is averaging 15.5 fantasy points per game which ranks 15th at the running back position. Bijan is 7th in weighted opportunities with 85.3, 6th in targets with 23, and 4th in routes run with 107. The PPR usage is there for Bijan. Of note, Bijan was fully healthy in week 6 where he scored 25.5 fantasy points against the Carolina Panthers which made Robinson RB-3 on the week.
While Bijan Robinson is thriving, Tyler Allgeier is showing why the Falcons are comfortable rotating Robinson out for plays and series throughout each game. Tyler Allgeier was the RB-11 in week 6 with 19.8 fantasy points. Tyler Allgeier is 12th in red zone touches with 16, 6th in true yard per carry with 5.4, and 8th in yards per touch at 5.7.
Overall, fantasy gamers are getting plenty of production from the Falcons backfield. Bijan Robinson is a must start every week while Tyler Allgeier is a justifiable flex play as fantasy managers navigate through injuries and bye weeks. In the event Bijan Robinson were to miss time, Tyler Allgeier would enter top-12 status at running back on a weekly basis.
