Quarterback Camp Battles To Watch During NFL OTAs: Michael Penix vs. Tua Tagovailoa & More

While most organizations know who is taking the reins at quarterback heading into training camp, there are still a few teams searching for their starter, including the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns. A new addition in Atlanta has also yet to secure the starting role with Tua Tagovailoa locked into a duel with Michael Penix Jr who has underwhelmed in his brief starts.

QB Camp Battles to Watch for Fantasy

Kyler Murray vs J.J. McCarthy

When healthy, Kyler Murray has been dynamic, averaging over 20.0 fantasy points per game in seasons where he played in 14 games or more. Unfortunately for Murray, injuries have been a thorn in his side the past few years, leading to his departure from Arizona.

Now with Minnesota, Murray has a great opportunity to round back into competitive form, throwing to the likes of Justin Jefferson, Jauan Jennings and Jordan Addison. Especially if his wideouts can stretch out the second level of the defense, creating more space for Murray to take off and run while racking up rushing yards in the process.

Standing in his way is J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings first round pick in 2024, who has struggled to take advantage of his opportunity while also dealing with injuries. McCarthy was abysmal in his first true start in 2025-26, finishing the year ranked near dead last in EPA per play, CPOE and in bad throw %.

With Murray leading McCarthy in the same previously mentioned metrics, it seems like he has the upper hand for the position, yet no starter has been named as of writing. For a more in-depth breakdown of their competition, you can read it here.

Shedeur Sanders vs Deshaun Watson

Do not let Shedeur Sanders making the Pro Bowl deceive you; he was abysmal last season, rivaling McCarthy at the bottom of the board in most metrics. With Sanders struggling, the door has opened for Deshaun Watson to reclaim his spot as their starting quarterback, creating one of the more intriguing battles this summer.

If Watson is going to make his return under center, then he must recapture the same success he had with Houston, throwing for over 3,800 yards while averaging nearly 22.0 points per game. Since joining the Browns, Watson’s production has fallen off a cliff, averaging just 13.26 points while barely completing over 60.0% of his passes.

While their training camp battle may seem irrelevant in regard to fantasy, it is worth noting the Browns did make an effort to re-tool their offense, potentially making either QB a worthy stash in 2QB deep leagues. Trading away Myles Garrett may also force them to play in highly volatile track meets, giving either player more opportunities to stuff the stat sheet.

Tua Tagovailoa vs Michael Penix

The QB battle taking place in Atlanta has far more productive implications in regard to fantasy, pitting Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix against each other, with the winner taking the reins as the starter in one of the more exciting offenses in the NFC. Both QBs have severely underwhelmed the past few years while dealing with injuries, directly affecting their efficiency when on the field.

While neither Tagavolia nor Penix possesses the rushing upside that is needed to thrust them to the top half of the board of our QB fantasy football rankings, either starter will become an intriguing stash option while leading an offense that features Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson. Should either player capitalize on the talent around them and score at a consistent rate, look to add them in a 2QB deep league as a safety valve in case one of your starters gets injured.

Players Mentioned in this Article

KylerMurray
QBMIN
PPG
16.2
Proj
289.5
J.J.McCarthy
QBMIN
PPG
12.7
Proj
22.8
ShedeurSanders
QBCLE
PPG
11.6
Proj
142.0
DeshaunWatson
QBCLE
Proj
105.3

Published Jun 5, 2026, 6:45 AM ET