Who Should I Start? Carson Wentz or Lamar Jackson

Friday, October 17, 4:00 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has named veteran Carson Wentz (shoulder) as the team's starting quarterback for its Week 7 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Wentz suffered a shoulder injury in Week 5, but the team's Week 6 bye apparently gave him the time he needed to be ready for Week 7. Rapoport reports that Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle), who has not played since Week 2, is still recovering from a high-ankle sprain and will serve as the team's emergency third quarterback. In three starts since McCarthy went down, Wentz has completed 69% of his passes for 759 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. He profiles as a player for fantasy managers to avoid in Week 7, even in two-quarterback formats.

Thursday, October 16, 8:53 PM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring), who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, is expected to return when the Ravens come off their bye in Week 7 to face the Chicago Bears in Week 8, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Jackson will have three weeks of rest, so he should be a full-go when the team comes off their bye to face Chicago. The 28-year-old two-time MVP has gone 1-3 in his four starts in 2025, but he does lead the league with a 10.5 touchdown percentage, a 10.78 adjusted yards gained per pass attempt, and a 130.5 QB rating. While this may end up being a lost season for the Ravens, Jackson still has the ability to carry fantasy football teams once he's back from his hamstring injury. The elite dual-threat signal-caller needs to be back in all starting fantasy lineups if he's active in Week 8, which is expected.