Justin Herbert 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

Connect your league and an AI analyst settles debates like this one against your actual roster.

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.

Justin HerbertMichael Penix Jr.
Rest of season
1 of 7 experts rank Justin Herbert ahead · 6 rank Michael Penix Jr. ahead
QB26#23–#28QB19#18–#21edge
Week 9QB25#22–#29QB19#16–#22edge
Week 9 projection (PPR)13.916.4edge
Market Index value (redraft PPR)5 #170 overall7 #118 overalledge
Last 30 days (Market Index)-54 ranks · -231 val+27 ranks · +133 val
Rostered57%21%
Bye711
StatusNo injury designationNo 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, Justin Herbert or Michael Penix Jr.?
Michael Penix Jr.. This week's consensus has Justin Herbert at QB25 (range #22–#29) and Michael Penix Jr. at QB19 (range #16–#22). Projections: 13.9 vs 16.4 PPR points.
Who is better for the rest of the season, Justin Herbert or Michael Penix Jr.?
Michael Penix Jr.. Rest-of-season consensus: Justin Herbert QB26 (range #23–#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 Justin Herbert for Michael Penix Jr.?
On the LeagueLogs Market Index (redraft PPR) Justin Herbert is ranked #170 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.