Who Should I Start? Baker Mayfield or J.J. McCarthy

Monday, November 24, 5:38 PM

After undergoing an MRI exam on Monday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) has been diagnosed with a low-grade left (non-throwing) shoulder injury, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Mayfield injured his left shoulder late in the first half of Sunday night's blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams and did not return in the second half. He was seen wearing a sling on his left arm on the sideline. It's good news for the 30-year-old, but it's still unclear if he will play in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals. If Mayfield cannot go, veteran Teddy Bridgewater would make his first start of the year. Mayfield, who has been on the QB1/2 borderline in fantasy football in recent weeks, should be considered questionable for the next game for now. We should have a better idea of his Week 13 status when Tampa resumes practicing on Wednesday.

Monday, November 24, 2:15 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) has entered the league's concussion protocol after reporting symptoms following a Week 12 loss to the Packers. McCarthy was evaluated on Sunday night by the team's training staff and doctors, who then made the decision to place him into protocol. The Vikings will travel to Seattle for a Week 14 matchup with the Seahawks, and McCarthy will now need to clear protocol if the team hopes to have him available. Should he miss any time, the Vikings will turn to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. On the surface, this would seem to be a blow to the fantasy value of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and the rest of the Vikings offense, but with McCarthy averaging fewer than 155 passing yards per game in six starts, while throwing 10 interceptions to only six touchdowns, any dip should be negligible. Fantasy managers should continue to trot out their underperforming stud receiver based on talent alone.