Who Should I Start? Anthony Richardson or J.J. McCarthy

Wednesday, April 23, 1:16 PM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is locked in a position battle with Daniel Jones for the starting QB job this offseason, said he worked extensively on "footwork" and "being able to just stay calm in the pocket." The former fourth overall pick in 2023 was benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco in 2024 and has missed considerable time due to injuries in his first two years in the league. The 22-year-old signal-caller has elite rushing ability, but he has posted just a 50.6% career completion rate, which is why the Colts brought in Jones this offseason to push the physically-gifted athlete. The Colts have said they've received encouraging reports on Richardson's progress this offseason, but the proof will be in the pudding of whether he can beat out Jones and stay healthy. In a best-case scenario, Richardson will win the starting gig and be an upside QB2 target in fantasy due to his rushing ability.

Wednesday, May 7, 9:26 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't really acknowledge whether former first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) will face competition for the starting job in 2025. "J.J. is going to be in a great position to assume and ascend in our organization," O'Connell said on The Rich Eisen Show. "But right now, we really don't have any feelings on competition as much as we've got an obligation as coaches to put our players in position to attack that competition phase." Sam Howell and Brett Rypien are the other options in the QB room. O'Connell did say that McCarthy is "owning it" this offseason and will get plenty of reps with the starters. The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, but he's fully expected to be ready for the start of 2025. O'Connell said he's seen a difference in McCarthy's footwork, rhythm, timing and cadence from a year ago. The Vikes like him a lot, so he's expected to be the starter in Week 1, where he'll be a low-end QB2 in fantasy with upside.