Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or J.J. McCarthy

Monday, November 17, 2:38 PM

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski provided no additional information on Monday regarding a potential timeline for the team to open the practice window of quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles). Watson ruptured his Achilles in Week 7 of last year and suffered an additional tear during the offseason, but all reports suggest that his recovery has been going well. Still, the Browns have not offered any clarity as to when, or if, he will return to the team. The 2-8 Browns have gotten starts from Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel (concussion) in 2025. With Gabriel currently in concussion protocol, it's possible that rookie Shedeur Sanders could make his first career start against the Raiders in Week 12.

Friday, November 21, 3:33 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy should be considered a volatile Superflex option when his team goes to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. The former Michigan star's overall numbers are not pretty -- he's completed only 53% of his passing attempts and thrown eight interceptions in five games -- but the Vikings have continued to preach patience. The Packers rank third in yards per play allowed, which presents a difficult matchup, but McCarthy has saved his best for NFC North road games thus far, as six of his eight total touchdowns this season took place in victories at Chicago and at Detroit. Additionally, McCarthy has also shown rushing ability by compiling 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns on only 24 carries. Ultimately, however, McCarthy is on the road and has not played well lately, so managers will have to gauge their risk tolerance for playing the league's youngest starter as the fantasy playoffs approach.