Because Week 17 began on a Wednesday, NFL.com's Nick Shook didn't rank every starting quarterback as he usually does last Thursday. But after waiting another week, Atlanta Falcons fans can see where Shook ranked quarterback Michael Penix Jr. following his first two NFL starts.

When Kyle Pitts caught the game-tying touchdown pass against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night, he got swept up in the emotion of the moment and launched the ball into the air. What Pitts didn't realize at the time was he'd just thrown away Michael Penix Jr.

The Michael Penix Jr. era has arrived in Atlanta. The Falcons rookie quarterback made his first start on Sunday, leading Atlanta to a dominant 34-7 win

The Atlanta Falcons reclaimed the NFC South lead this weekend, defeating the New York Giants by a score of 34-7. Michael Penix Jr. impressed in his first real NFL action, becoming just the third Falcons rookie quarterback ever to win his first start.

The Atlanta Falcons have to be happy with what they saw from rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in his first NFL start. While the numbers don’t jump out, Penix’s decisiveness, arm talent and pocket mobility were on display during Sunday’s 34-7 win over the New York Giants.

Ian Rapoport suggested in a recent article that the Falcons could keep QB Kirk Cousins as a backup for the 2025 season.

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The Falcons need a win and a Buccaneers loss in Week 18 in order to sneak into the playoffs by winning the NFC South. Will Atlanta hold up its end of the deal?