Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or J.J. McCarthy

Tuesday, December 9, 3:38 PM

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller has not looked the same in two games since his return from a stint on Injured Reserve for a pectoral injury. In the last two contests, Waller has three receptions for 60 yards and no touchdowns on six targets. The 33-year-old veteran played only 37% of the snaps in the Week 14 win over the New York Jets on Sunday, which was down from 47% in his return in Week 13. Not only did he see fewer snaps, but he was outsnapped by both Greg Dulcich and Julian Hill at the position. Waller had one catch on three targets for 13 yards and added one carry for four yards versus the Jets. After coming out of retirement to play for Miami, he scored four touchdowns in his first four games. It's possible that Waller needs some time to get back up to speed, but fantasy managers can't afford to wait. He will be a risky, touchdown-dependent TE2 streamer in fantasy in Week 15 versus the Steelers, especially if Dulcich continues to be involved.

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.