Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Michael Penix Jr. vs Tyler ShoughWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Tyler Shough is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 14.4 PPG to Michael Penix Jr.'s 13.4 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Tyler Shough is the better fantasy play this season.

Statistically, Tyler Shough and Michael Penix Jr. are interchangeable on a season-long basis. The 1.0-PPG gap is one broken play per game. For weekly start/sit calls, check opponent defense and recent form before defaulting to the name.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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QBAtlanta Falcons#29

Michael Penix Jr.

PPG

13.4

Games

Pass Yds

1,982

Pass TDs

Rush TDs

Bye

Week 11

QBNew Orleans Saints#24PPG LEADER

Tyler Shough

PPG

14.4

Games

Pass Yds

2,384

Pass TDs

Rush Yds

186

Rush TDs

Bye

Week 8

The Edge Chart

Michael Penix Jr.

Tyler Shough

Head to Head

13.4 PPG14.4 PPG

9 GP11 GP

Bye: Week 11Bye: Week 8

Fantasy Tiers

Michael Penix Jr.: Tier 4 (Bench/Bye Fill) QB (ranked #29 at the position). Tyler Shough: Tier 3 (Flex/Starter) QB (ranked #24 at the position). Among the top 32 quarterbacks this season, Michael Penix Jr. is producing at 61% of elite pace and Tyler Shough at 65%. That ranking gap means Tyler Shough carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Michael Penix Jr. vs Tyler Shough: The Full Breakdown

Michael Penix Jr. (13.4 PPG) and Tyler Shough (14.4 PPG) produced nearly identical fantasy numbers in 2025. When two quarterbacks are this close on a per-game basis, the weekly matchup matters more than the season-long resume. Michael Penix Jr. played 9 games for the Atlanta Falcons; Tyler Shough suited up 11 times for the New Orleans Saints.

A 1.0-point per-game gap over a full season is essentially noise. It means one extra catch, one fewer target, or a single broken play away from flipping the script. For a weekly start/sit call between these two, matchup analysis matters far more than the season line.

Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Michael Penix Jr. threw for 1982 yards and 9 touchdowns, while Tyler Shough posted 2384 yards and 10 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: Michael Penix Jr. sits Week 11 while Tyler Shough is off Week 8. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Michael Penix Jr. (age 26) is in his prime window. Peak production now with steady value for the next 3-4 seasons. Tyler Shough (age 26) is in his prime window. Peak production now with steady value for the next 3-4 seasons.

Did You Know?

•Tyler Shough outscored Michael Penix Jr. by a projected 17 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Tyler Shough played 11 games in 2025 compared to Michael Penix Jr.'s 9. That durability gap means Tyler Shough contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Tyler Shough scored 13 total touchdowns in 2025 (1.2 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at quarterback.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Michael Penix Jr. vs Tyler Shough: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Michael Penix Jr.	Tyler Shough
PPG (Half-PPR)	13.4	14.4
Games Played	9	11
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	121	158
Passing Yards	1,982	2,384
Passing TDs	9	10
Pass Yds/Game	220.2	216.7
Rushing Yards	70	186
Rushing TDs	1	3
Total TDs	10	13
TDs/Game	1.1	1.2
Age	26	26
Experience	1 yrs	-
Bye Week	Week 11	Week 8

Summary

14.4 PPG for Tyler Shough versus 13.4 for Michael Penix Jr. in 2025. The baseline favors Tyler Shough, though the right weekly matchup can flip the script. For a full breakdown that weighs matchup quality, form, and injury reports, try DraftCall's AI comparison engine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Michael Penix Jr. or Tyler Shough in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Tyler Shough has the edge at 14.4 PPG compared to Michael Penix Jr.'s 13.4 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Michael Penix Jr. and Tyler Shough average in 2025?▾

Michael Penix Jr. averaged 13.4 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 9 games in 2025. Tyler Shough averaged 14.4 PPG over 11 games. That is a difference of 1.0 points per game.

When are Michael Penix Jr. and Tyler Shough's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) has a bye in Week 11, and Tyler Shough (NO) has a bye in Week 8. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Michael Penix Jr. or Tyler Shough a better fantasy quarterback in 2026?▾

Tyler Shough outscored Michael Penix Jr. by 1.0 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.