Who Should I Start? Cedric Tillman or J.J. McCarthy

Tuesday, November 18, 2:53 PM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman led the team with 52 receiving yards in a Week 11 loss to the Ravens and now prepares to face a Raiders defense that has struggled to defend the pass all year. In his second game back after missing four games with a hamstring injury, he showed glimpses of the play strength that showed up in his sophomore season, before suffering a season-ending concussion. Unfortunately for Tillman and the rest of the Cleveland pass catchers, the Browns quarterback situation is currently one of the least desirable in the league. With Dillon Gabriel still in concussion protocol, Shedeur Sanders will likely get the first start of his career in Week 12. And while this week will mark the first time that Sanders gets any reps practicing with the team's starters, what he put on film on Sunday while filling in for the injured Gabriel should not inspire confidence for fantasy managers. Even facing a generous Las Vegas defense, it would be difficult to trust Tillman this week. However, he remains an interesting stash, if only to see what sort of chemistry he's able to develop with whoever remains Cleveland's starter down the stretch.

Tuesday, November 18, 11:39 AM

The Minnesota Vikings are now 4-6 behind struggling young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but the team is betting that McCarthy can overcome his current issues and acclimate to the NFL with time. Receiver Adam Thielen, who is back in Minnesota after two full seasons in Carolina, pointed to Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, whose improvement in his third season came after two mostly rough years at the helm. "I'm sure he's leaning on a ton of experience from the last few years that (included) some really tough moments," Thielen said, according to The Athletic. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell hasn't entertained a move and maintains McCarthy's issues are mechanical and can be corrected. Minnesota is going to give McCarthy the runway to improve, so managers in Superflex leagues will know they'll have a playable QB, albeit one going through the ups and downs of being a first-time starter.