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Michael David Smith· Aug 12, 2026

Smith writes that despite the Falcons' claims that Michael Penix could win the Week One starting job, Tua Tagovailoa will almost certainly be Atlanta's starting quarterback at the start of the season.

“realistically, Tua Tagovailoa will almost certainly be the starter when the season begins”

published in writing · NBC Sports · read the original →

One checkable claim, graded on its own against what actually happened.

It names 2 players and teams, each linked to their own record.

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Of the 1 unsettled call enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands below the rest of the room.

Where this call stands in the room

Tua Tagovailoa · 2026 season

31 calls from 24 pundits between 1 and 2. Michael David Smith said 1. the room's median is 1. not settled yet

Michael David Smith — 1the room — 31 calls from 24 punditsmedian 1

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  • Depth Chart CallsTua TagovailoaAtlanta FalconsAug 12, 2026

    Tua Tagovailoa to be 1st on the depth chart

    “realistically, Tua Tagovailoa will almost certainly be the starter when the season begins, no matter how confident Stefanski is that Penix is getting ready at the right pace.”

    Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.

    Think this is wrong?

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