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


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
19.6 15.4 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

Bryce Young News

Bryce Young Will Not Play in Hall of Fame Game

Tuesday, August 4, 6:38 AM

With the first action of the 2026 preseason slated for Thursday, August 6, when the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals meet for the Hall of Fame Game, participation and usage of teams' starters and depth players will soon become a major storyline, and the Panthers have already announced that quarterback Bryce Young will not see any action in the preseason opener. With head coach Dave Canales telling reporters that most of the team's starters will sit, veteran Kenny Pickett will draw the start. Young enters his fourth season with no long-term extension in place, making 2026 a critical proving year after three up-and-down seasons, and at RotoBaller's QB26, he is viewed as little more than an occasional streaming option in single-quarterback leagues.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.5 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

J.J. McCarthy News

J.J. McCarthy Carries Dynasty Buy-Low Appeal into 2026

Wednesday, July 22, 9:12 AM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggled in his first chance to be an NFL starter in 2025. McCarthy missed seven games due to ankle, concussion, and hand issues and finished the year with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Minnesota brought in some significant competition for McCarthy in free agency, signing veteran quarterback Kyler Murray. Given Murray's established track record from his time with the Arizona Cardinals, it wouldn't be a surprise if McCarthy is limited to QB2 duties in 2026. However, the Vikings reportedly plan to allow the battle between Murray and McCarthy to run through training camp and the preseason. McCarthy is just 23 years old, and Minnesota could still view him as a key piece of the team's future. McCarthy also brings some fantasy juice with his legs, as he rushed for 181 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games last season. With his value at a low point, McCarthy could be a worthy buy-low candidate for dynasty managers.


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 19.6 points this week while J.J. McCarthy is projected to score 1.5 points.