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QB Michael Penix Jr., Falcons agree to contract terms

Fri Jun 21 8:20pm ET
Field Level Media

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to contract terms with quarterback Michael Penix Jr., their first-round pick, according to multiple media reports on Friday.

Penix, selected eighth overall out of Washington, is getting a four-year rookie deal valued at $22.88 million, including a $13.46 million signing bonus.

All contracts involving first-round selections include a fifth-year team option.

The Falcons have invested heavily in the quarterback position. Six weeks before the draft, they signed veteran free agent Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal that includes $100 million guaranteed.

Cousins, who will turn 36 before the regular-season begins, is looking to come back from a right Achilles tendon tear that ended his 2023 season in October with the Minnesota Vikings.

That commitment made all the more surprising Atlanta's decision to use a first-round selection on a quarterback. Penix was the fourth signal caller drafted out of a record-tying six first-round QB picks.

Penix, 24, is coming off a spectacular senior season in which he led the Huskies to the national championship game. He threw for a national-high 4,903 yards and had 36 touchdown passes while getting intercepted 11 times.

He wound up as the Heisman Trophy runner-up behind LSU's Jayden Daniels, and Penix captured the Maxwell Award, which goes to the country's top college football player. Each of the past two seasons, Penix broke Washington's single-season passing record.

Penix is expected to formally sign the contract on Friday, according to media reports, and complete the Falcons' eight-player draft class signings. He has participated in every offseason training session from rookie minicamp to OTAs and the mandatory minicamp.

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7

Player Notes
Brandon Aiyuk Oct 21 12:13am ET
Brandon Aiyuk

Dynasty | The 49ers believe wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL in the loss to the Chiefs. Dynasty Analysis: Brutal. Aiyuk had a ridiculously long holdout, only to finally get his big money contract. After a few up and down weeks, this happens. We'll wait to get an official diagnosis, but it's rare for a team to come out and say they believe a player has torn an ACL only to find out they're wrong. If this is indeed the case, dynasty managers will have to look elsewhere for a WR2 the rest of the way. Stay tuned.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Najee Harris Oct 21 12:10am ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 21 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown in a 37-15 win against the New York Jets. He failed to haul in his only target of the contest, but Harris was nonetheless productive and efficient on the ground. Although he ran hard throughout the game, he did not find the end zone until only 26 seconds remained in the fourth quarter, rumbling in for a 10-yard score to seal the victory. After a slow start to the campaign, Harris has looked great over the past two weeks. Additional goal-line opportunities could be in store for him going forward as Pittsburgh's offense seems more capable of pushing the ball downfield with quarterback Russell Wilson under center. Harris should project as a solid fantasy RB2 next week against the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Geno Stone Oct 21 12:10am ET
Geno Stone

X-rays came back negative on Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (shin), according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The defensive starter exited late during Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. While any injury is concerning, it's great news that his X-rays were negative. Still, it's possible that Stone will miss some time. If so, look for Tycen Anderson to earn more snaps on defense.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Oct 20 11:50pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson completed 16 of 29 pass attempts for 264 yards and two touchdowns, adding three carries for three yards and a score on the ground in a 37-15 victory over the New York Jets. Wilson and the Steelers' offense got off to a slow start but started to get in rhythm in the second quarter. He displayed chemistry with wide receiver George Pickens as the duo connected on multiple deep balls and an 11-yard touchdown on the team's last possession of the first half. The 35-year-old later scored on a QB sneak and found Van Jefferson in the end zone from four yards out. Although Justin Fields led Pittsburgh to a 4-2 start, it seems Wilson will be the starter moving forward after a convincing win in which the Steelers scored 31 unanswered points. Fantasy managers can view him as a QB2 option heading into a Week 8 meeting with the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Oct 20 11:10pm ET
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason was mostly held in check by the Kansas City Chiefs in a 28-18 home loss on Sunday. He ran for 58 yards on 14 carries and caught both of his targets for 11 yards. A large chunk of his yardage came on a 26-yard third-quarter run. Mason also had a couple of nice runs called back by holding penalties and was something of a game-script victim with the 49ers falling behind 14-3 early. Coming into the game, Mason was the second-leading rusher in the NFL and should have better days ahead of him until Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf) returns. Unless CMC surprises everybody and comes back next week, Mason will look to get back on track against a porous Dallas Cowboys run defense at home on Sunday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Oct 20 11:00pm ET
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had a rough day at the office in a 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Purdy finished with 17 completions on 31 attempts for 212 yards, no passing touchdowns, and three interceptions. Overall, it was a sloppy performance but Purdy's day was saved in fantasy with a couple of touchdowns on quarterback sneaks. He finished with eight rushes for 27 yards and the two scores. Although a substandard Purdy made his share of mistakes, it didn't help that he was without receivers Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) for most of the game. Looking ahead, Purdy will probably slip in weekly rankings if Aiyuk has suffered an ACL tear as feared, at least until rookie receivers Ricky Pearsall and/or Jacob Cowing prove reliable. A return by Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf) at some point would help buoy Purdy's value. Purdy gets the Dallas Cowboys at home next Sunday night.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Oct 20 10:30pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison reeled in 3-of-4 targets for 66 yards in the team's 31-29 loss to the Detroit Lions. It was another modest outing for Addison, who has now caught three balls in each of his four contests this season. He somewhat saved his fantasy day in this one with a long reception of 51 yards that helped set up a Vikings field goal but was otherwise held in check by a formidable Lions defense. Third-year wideout Jalen Nailor racked up one more catch and target than the 22-year-old and out-gained him by 10 yards in the matchup -- the first time he's done so all season. While the USC product is a good WR in his own right, ceiling games will be challenging to come by while sharing the field with target-hog Justin Jefferson -- potentially even less so when tight end T.J. Hockenson enters the fold. Minnesota will travel to Los Angeles on a short week to take on the Rams on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Dustin Hopkins Oct 20 10:20pm ET
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins had a rough afternoon in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Hopkins missed his lone field goal and went 0-for-1 on extra points in the close loss to the Bengals. The veteran kicker has been mostly reliable for the Browns since joining the team before the 2023 season but he has now missed two field goals over his past two games. Overall, Hopkins has converted 10 of his 13 field-goal tries and all but two of his nine extra-point attempts. He will look to bounce back against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Oct 20 10:20pm ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had three catches for 19 yards in the 28-18 win against the San Francisco 49ers. Worthy completed three catches on a team-leading eight targets in the contest. Worthy also had one carry for five yards in this contest. Despite the ball heading his way more than any other pass catcher, Worthy could not turn opportunity into a big game. Kansas City is trying to increase Worthy's usage, but it is up to the rookie receiver to step up to the plate. Thankfully, Worthy will have more favorable matchups moving forward since the Niners are one of the most well-rounded defensive units in the league. Worth and the Chiefs will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8. Despite the Raiders giving up the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers, Worthy's involvement out of the backfield and designed plays should keep his usage high in the team's next matchup. Worthy is a high-upside flex play as long as you can stomach his low floor.

From RotoBaller

Shelby Harris Oct 20 10:20pm ET
Shelby Harris

The Cleveland Browns defense performed well in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Cleveland allowed just 21 points while notching three sacks and holding the Bengals to just 223 yards of total offense in the contest. The Browns were led by Za'Darius Smith, who had one sack, and Shelby Harris, who also chipped in a sack. The Browns will face another tough test in Week 8 as they will face off against the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Mason Rudolph Oct 20 10:10pm ET
Mason Rudolph

Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo hauled in four passes for 50 yards on four targets in a 34-10 loss at Buffalo in Week 7. This marked the young tight end's best game of the season, having failed to top 16 receiving yards up to this point. His 26-yard reception in the first quarter set up Tennessee's only touchdown drive of the game, and he displayed solid chemistry with new starting quarterback Mason Rudolph on the afternoon. With how unreliable this Titans passing attack continues to be, Okonkwo is still not a great option moving forward, but there may be ample opportunity next week in Detroit with the Titans likely playing catch-up.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Moore Oct 20 10:10pm ET
Elijah Moore

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore caught six of his seven targets for 41 yards in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Moore finished third on the team in targets and catches in the close loss to the Bengals. The veteran receiver's Week 7 performance goes down as one of his best games in what has been a rough season for him in 2024. Moore could continue to see a larger role in the Cleveland offense moving forward with Amari Cooper now a member of the Buffalo Bills. He will take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Oct 20 10:10pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught 7-of-8 targets for 81 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-29 loss to their division-rival Detroit Lions. It was another strong performance for the 25-year-old, who continues to be one of the most productive wide receivers in the league. Sunday marked his fourth-straight game with at least 81 yards and six catches, and he's scored a touchdown in all but one contest thus far in 2024. He could have had an even bigger game, but two of his catches went for no gain. The former LSU Tiger will get a quick turnaround in Week 8 when he and the Vikings head to SoFi Stadium for a road tilt with the Los Angeles Rams. He'll again be a top-flight WR play.

From RotoBaller

Zack Moss Oct 20 10:10pm ET
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss had only 7 yards off six touches in Sunday's win over the Browns. He added three catches for 33 yards. It's clear Chase Brown is the preferred runner out of the backfield, resulting in another subpar showing for Moss. While he was considered a flex option heading into Week 7, fantasy managers should reconsider things for the Week 8 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Oct 20 10:10pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku caught 10 of his 14 targets for 76 yards and a touchdown in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. In his first game as one of the team's top targets after they traded Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills earlier in the week, Njoku came up big as he turned in his best game of the season. He led the Browns in targets and catches while finishing second on the team in receiving yards in the loss. Njoku can be trusted as a mid-range TE1 in fantasy moving forward as he should soak up plenty of targets in the offense. He will take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Oct 20 10:00pm ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had five catches for 55 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Browns. The former LSU Tiger was relatively quiet in Week 6 against the Giants. While Tee Higgins was more productive in this one, Chase still found the end zone for the sixth time in the Bengals' previous five contests. With Cincinnati picking up another win, the team will look to get to .500 with a win over the Eagles in Week 8. Fortunately for fantasy managers, the Eagles have struggled to stop opposing wideouts this season, making Chase one of the top fantasy options.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Oct 20 10:00pm ET
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman caught eight of his 12 targets for 81 yards in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. In his first game as a starter after the Browns traded away Amari Cooper, Tillman led the Browns in receiving yardage while finishing second in targets and catches in the close loss to the Bengals. The Week 7 performance easily goes down as the best of Tillman's two-year career. Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues should be checking the waiver wire this week to see if Tillman is still floating around out there as he could be Cleveland's No. 1 receiver for the remainder of the season. He will be worth a look as a flex against a leaky Baltimore Ravens pass defense in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Jerry Jeudy Oct 20 10:00pm ET
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught one of his five targets for 18 yards in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Jeudy appeared to be in line for a larger role with Amari Cooper traded to the Buffalo Bills earlier in the week but he instead remained an afterthought in the Cleveland offense while Cedric Tillman caught eight balls for 81 yards. Jeudy has shown flashes with the Browns this year but he will be tough to trust in fantasy going forward, even with a plus matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on tap in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Mecole Hardman Oct 20 10:00pm ET
Mecole Hardman

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman had one catch for 17 yards, two carries for 38 yards, and a touchdown in the 28-18 win against the San Francisco 49ers. Hardman did not command many targets, but he capitalized on his opportunities with a score on the ground. With fellow wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster sidelined with a hamstring injury in this contest, Hardman had more opportunities to get involved. This matchup marked his second game back from injury, and Hardman's role will likely increase as the season goes on and he gets healthier. Hardman is familiar with Mahomes and the offense, so it shouldn't be long before we see more involvement from him. The Chiefs will take on the Raiders in Week 8. The Raiders are not a cakewalk matchup for wide receivers since they rank ninth in fantasy points allowed, but Kansas City gets their playmakers involved in unique ways, so Hardman could see some volume. Despite scoring in this week's contest, Hardman's role in the offense is undetermined, and he should be viewed as a desperation flex play until we get more information about his usage.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Oct 20 10:00pm ET
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown ran for 44 yards off 15 carries in the win over the Browns on Sunday. He added two catches for nine yards. The 24-year-old scored in each of his last three appearances. While he cooled off in this one, he still outperformed teammate Zack Moss, who didn't have a quality afternoon. It appears Brown will continue to lead the backfield, keeping him a starting fantasy option for Week 8 against the Eagles, but the continued presence of Moss in this backfield will cap Brown's fantasy upside.

From RotoBaller