Jalen Hurts vs Michael Penix: Who Should You Start?
Deciding between Jalen Hurts and Michael Penix is a common lineup dilemma for fantasy managers. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback put up 19.1 PPG in 2025 over 16 games; Michael Penix of the Atlanta Falcons averaged 13.7 in 9. A 5.4-point margin that could shift on any given week.
The per-game difference of 5.4 points favors Jalen Hurts, 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.
Jalen Hurts offers meaningful rushing upside with 421 yards on the ground in 2025, which separates his floor from a pocket passer like Michael Penix (1982 passing yards, 9 touchdowns). In games where the passing matchup looks ugly, that rushing production can be the entire difference on a start/sit call.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Jalen Hurts sits Week 5 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.
