Who Should I Start? Dak Prescott or J.J. McCarthy

Friday, December 12, 7:36 PM

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is a must-start QB1 in all formats despite facing a tougher Minnesota Vikings defense. The Vikings enter Week 15, allowing the second-fewest PPR points to opposing QBs. However, Prescott has been a high-end option at the position all season and figures to carry a high ceiling with his top wideout, CeeDee Lamb, passing concussion protocol. Last week, Prescott totaled over 300 passing yards for the third-straight game. In their tough loss to the Lions on Thursday evening, Prescott went 31-for-47 with 376 yards and one score. Since his Week 10 bye, Prescott has averaged an elite 27.4 PPR points per game and totaled 10 total TDs with 329.5 passing yards per game. With two elite wide receivers at his disposal, Prescott carries a very safe floor with an elite ceiling if that game becomes a shootout. Given the high implied point total (O/U 48.5), fantasy managers should feel confident locking the Mississippi State product in their lineup in the opening week of the fantasy playoffs.

Friday, December 12, 4:32 PM

Coming off the best game of his young NFL career, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will see another quality fantasy matchup when the Vikings travel to Dallas in Week 15. The former Michigan star has been particularly hot-and-cold, even for a young quarterback, but managers in Superflex formats can consider him an option this week against the Cowboys' defense. While Dallas leads the NFL in pressure percentage, the Cowboys rank 31st in passing yards allowed, 30th in net yards per attempt, and 32nd in passing touchdowns surrendered. The biggest issue for McCarthy has been turnovers, but he's coming off a week in which he played turnover-free ball and set a career-best mark for passer rating in a decisive win against Washington. McCarthy is rushing for nearly five yards per attempt and still has an excellent collection of weapons, giving him lineup potential if he can continue to build upon last week's blueprint.