Who Should I Start? Bryce Young or J.J. McCarthy


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Bryce Young News

Panthers Pick Up Bryce Young's Fifth-Year Option

Wednesday, April 29, 11:36 AM

The Carolina Panthers officially picked up quarterback Bryce Young's fifth-year option for the 2027 season on Wednesday, according to Darin Gantt of the team's official website. It was a no-brainer move for the Panthers after Young set new career-highs in passing yards (3,011), touchdowns (23), completion percentage (63.6), and passer rating (87.8). He also had six of his 12 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime in 2025, and his 12 comeback wins are the most of any QB in the NFL since 2023. While Young still shouldn't be viewed as a legitimate QB1 in fantasy football in 2026, he has proven in recent seasons that he is improving, and he was especially effective late in games and in close contests. The former first overall pick in 2023 is now under contract for the next two seasons in Carolina and has plenty of receiving weapons in Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, and rookie Chris Brazzell II to take another step forward as a passer in 2026. Young is a rising high-end QB2 in superflex and dynasty/keeper leagues.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

J.J. McCarthy News

Holding J.J. McCarthy in Dynasty Leagues Will Require Patience

Saturday, May 30, 5:41 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy continues to have some dynasty appeal, but he faces an uphill battle to earn immediate playing time. The Vikings brought in Kyler Murray to essentially light a fire under McCarthy, in hopes that he'll strengthen his candidacy for the starting role, either short-term or long-term. Although the Vikings are still optimistic that McCarthy can be their franchise quarterback for years to come, it's unlikely that he'll start right away in 2026, which means he lacks short-term fantasy appeal. He missed all of his rookie campaign in 2024, and he's coming off a frustrating 2025 campaign in which he totaled 1,632 passing yards, 15 total touchdowns, and 14 turnovers across 10 games. It's too early to consider dropping McCarthy in dynasty leagues, but we acknowledge that managers will need to exercise patience as they stash him on the bench while he occupies the backup role behind Murray.


Bryce Young vs. J.J. McCarthy

Still trying to decide between Young and McCarthy? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Bryce Young is projected to score 0.0 points this week while J.J. McCarthy is projected to score 0.0 points.