Two young quarterbacks headline the fantasy football conversation heading into Week 1. Bryce Young looks ready for a leap with a rebuilt offense in Carolina, while Michael Penix Jr. steps into the driver’s seat for Atlanta.
Both open the season with favorable matchups against shaky defenses. If either delivers a breakout performance, fantasy managers may rush to the waiver wire.
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
Rostered: 27%
Young steps into Week 1 with a revamped offense, headlined by first-round WR Tetairoa McMillan. After a rookie season lost to offensive dysfunction, Young improved considerably as a sophomore. He could be poised for a third-year leap.
Bryce Young was a changed man once he took over as starter again 👀 #KeepPounding @ItsTeraTime pic.twitter.com/S0qQrDxjWV
— FantasyPros (@FantasyPros) August 29, 2025
Zero doubt about his job security and a supporting cast finally suited to maximizing his strengths, Young will be asked to throw more, run more, and take advantage of soft defenses much like the one he faces in Week 1.
It’s very easy to see Young throw for 200-plus yards and two touchdowns against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If he picks up where he left off last season and displays QB1 upside, fantasy managers could be very excited to grab him.
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
Rostered: 32%
Penix Jr. is now fully in control of an Atlanta Falcons offense loaded with talent. He has a huge arm and is the unquestioned starter, unlike how he entered his rookie season.
Penix’s deep ball connection with Drake London turned heads in camp, and once he returns, WR Darnell Mooney’s speed gives Penix multiple ways to beat bad secondaries — the QB projects for high passing volume in a shootout against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Thinking about Michael Penix pic.twitter.com/bE3q5IaTzn
— Brady Penn (@bradypenn21) August 20, 2025
As a reminder, Kirk Cousins posted 35.4 and 28.6 fantasy points in his two starts against the Bucs last season.
I am skeptical Penix will be a weekly fantasy starter, but it’s not difficult to see fantasy managers reacting strongly to a stellar Week 1 performance from a sophomore quarterback.
Week 1 presents a golden opportunity for fantasy football managers to capitalize on emerging talent at quarterback. Young’s improved supporting cast and growth trajectory make him a prime candidate for a breakout performance. At the same time, Penix’s arm talent and offensive weapons give him the potential to surprise.
Whether you’re looking for a long-term starter or a timely waiver wire pickup, both QBs are poised to make noise early and could shape the fantasy landscape in meaningful ways.
