Who Should I Start? Aaron Rodgers or J.J. McCarthy

Thursday, August 7, 3:38 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reports that quarterback Aaron Rodgers, among other veterans, will not play in Saturday's preseason opener against the hosting Jacksonville Jaguars. With rookie signal-caller Will Howard (hand) battling a hand issue, fellow QBs Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson are expected to handle the bulk of the reps for the team. However, it's worth mentioning that Howard has yet to be ruled out, per Mark Kaboly of 93.7 The Fan Pittsburgh. Tomlin has noted that he's "comfortable" with what he's seen from his new quarterback, but also remarked that next week "may be different". Rodgers figures to get some playing time in before the start of the regular season, and that could come as soon as next Saturday when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to town.

Sunday, August 10, 9:31 AM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy finished 4-for-7 passing for 30 yards and added an 8-yard run for a first down Saturday in a 20-10 win against Houston. The second-year quarterback led the Vikings to a field goal on the opening drive before giving way to backup Sam Howell. McCarthy is now the clear top option in Minnesota, but he's effectively a rookie in terms of playing time after missing the entire 2024 regular season with a meniscus injury. From a fantasy perspective, McCarthy figures to be a high-upside QB2 flier alongside proven skill players and revamped offensive line in Minnesota.