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

Friday, October 3, 4:35 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee, biceps) has been a bit banged up heading into the Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. He missed practice to begin the week, but Mayfield was back as a full participant on Thursday. That being said, Mayfield is ready to go for this Week 5 matchup in Seattle. The Bucs continue to lose weapons with Bucky Irving (foot) being ruled out for this game. That means, Mayfield will likely be forced to pass more this weekend. Last week, Mayfield made a season-high 40 passing attempts in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Mayfield continues to find a way to succeed despite the multiple injuries on offense. Fantasy managers can keep penciling Mayfield in as a QB1 until he proves differently.

Friday, October 3, 9:14 AM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has officially been ruled out for their Week 5 contest against the Cleveland Browns. McCarthy has been sidelined since suffering this high ankle sprain during their Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Carson Wentz to receive his third-straight start. Wentz threw for just 173 yards but tacked on two TD passes in his Minnesota debut in Week 3. In Week 4, he took a loss to the Steelers but enjoyed a productive fantasy day, totaling 350 yards with another two touchdown passes. Wentz carries solid QB2 value this weekend, despite facing a potent Cleveland defense. Given McCarthy's uncertain timetable, he is only worth stashing in deeper one-QB leagues while he remains sidelined. McCarthy will look to return to action in Week 7 when they host the Eagles, following their Week 6 bye.