J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr.?
Who to start in Week 9, who is better for the rest of the season, and who carries more trade value — from the FantasyPros expert consensus and the LeagueLogs Market Index.
Week 9 · 2026 season · Consensus updated November 6 at 11:11 AM EST
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The lean
- This week: Michael Penix Jr.
- Rest of season: Michael Penix Jr. — 6 of 7 experts
- Trade value: Michael Penix Jr.
All three measures favor the same player. Your scoring, lineup and matchup still matter.
| J.J. McCarthy | Michael Penix Jr. | |
|---|---|---|
| Rest of season 1 of 7 experts rank J.J. McCarthy ahead · 6 rank Michael Penix Jr. ahead | QB25#22–#28 | QB19#18–#21edge |
| Week 9 | QB20#18–#23 | QB19#16–#22edge |
| Week 9 projection (PPR) | 15.6 | 16.4edge |
| Market Index value (redraft PPR) | 5 #169 overall | 7 #118 overalledge |
| Last 30 days (Market Index) | +174 ranks · +261 val | +27 ranks · +133 val |
| Rostered | 22% | 21% |
| Bye | 8 | 11 |
| Status | No injury designation | No injury designation |
Expert consensus and ownership data via FantasyPros · Market Index values by LeagueLogs
Comparing a trade rather than a lineup choice? Check both sides of the offer with the AI Trade Analyzer, or review your Sleeper roster’s strengths and weaknesses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Who should I start in Week 9, J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr.?
- Michael Penix Jr.. This week's consensus has J.J. McCarthy at QB20 (range #18–#23) and Michael Penix Jr. at QB19 (range #16–#22). Projections: 15.6 vs 16.4 PPR points.
- Who is better for the rest of the season, J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr.?
- Michael Penix Jr.. Rest-of-season consensus: J.J. McCarthy QB25 (range #22–#28) vs Michael Penix Jr. QB19 (range #18–#21). 6 of 7 FantasyPros experts who rank both have Michael Penix Jr. ahead for the rest of the season.
- Should I trade J.J. McCarthy for Michael Penix Jr.?
- On the LeagueLogs Market Index (redraft PPR) J.J. McCarthy is ranked #169 overall and Michael Penix Jr. #118, so Michael Penix Jr. carries more trade value and a one-for-one favors the side receiving him. Run the exact deal through the free AI Trade Analyzer for a verdict on your league's scoring.