As Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons make a playoff push, the rookie QB will be heavily relied upon now that he's the starter.

The Falcons surprisingly selected Penix with the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. The pick wasn't a surprise because of Penix's résumé so much as the team's $180 million signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins earlier in the offseason. After a rough 14 games to begin his Falcons career, Atlanta benched Cousins for Penix.

ATLANTA -- Michael Penix Jr. completed 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards in his first career start, helping the Atlanta Falcons post a 34-7 rout of the visiting New York Giants on Sunday. With the win and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' road loss to the Dallas ...

Caleb Williams didn’t have the rookie season he was hoping for in Chicago, while New York endured one of its worst seasons in franchise history.

In Sunday's home game against the Carolina Panthers, Penix dropped back on a 1st-and-10 at Atlanta's 27-yard line and fired a pass to wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III early in the third quarter. McCloud bobbled the ball, which Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson intercepted. The pass was a little low, but it was still catchable.

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange's back-shoulder adjustment picks up a first down following his 26-yard reception against the Indianapolis Colts.

Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross tackles Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne in the backfield for a loss of 7 yards.

It’s the final week of the 2024 NFL regular season and there is still plenty to play for. Whether it be playoff seedings, a spot in the postseason or the 2025 draft order, Sunday’s games are set to have a dramatic impact.

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.

Penix, the former Washington Huskies QB, led the Falcons to an easy win over the New York Giants before suffering a 30-24 overtime loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 17. Despite the loss, Penix impressed those around the NFL with his poise in the face of adversity.

ATLANTA — So, the Michael ... for Penix. No sacks and just two hits. Talk about taking off the pressure. And if you’re planning a grand opening, why not bring in the New York Giants?

The Atlanta Falcons called backup quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to the starting position before the team's game against the New York Giants.