Baker Mayfield vs Michael Penix: Who Should You Start?
Deciding between Baker Mayfield and Michael Penix is a common lineup dilemma for fantasy managers. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback put up 16.6 PPG in 2025 over 17 games; Michael Penix of the Atlanta Falcons averaged 13.7 in 9. A 2.9-point margin that could shift on any given week.
The per-game difference of 2.9 points favors Baker Mayfield, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one quarterback to the other.
Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Baker Mayfield threw for 3693 yards and 26 touchdowns, while Michael Penix posted 1982 yards and 9 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Baker Mayfield sits Week 11 while Michael Penix is off Week 12. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
