Who Should I Start? Desmond Ridder or J.J. McCarthy

Tuesday, September 16, 5:09 PM

The Minnesota Vikings signed free-agent quarterback Desmond Ridder to their 53-man roster on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Vikings need some depth at the QB position with J.J. McCarthy out two to four weeks after suffering a high-ankle sprain in the Sunday night loss to the Atlanta Falcons. With McCarthy out for Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals and possibly beyond, veteran Carson Wentz will step into starting duties under center for Minnesota, with undrafted rookie Max Brosmer serving as his backup. Given Brosmer's lack of experience in the NFL, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Ridder be elevated to the No. 2 role sooner than later once he learns the offense. Ridder, a third-round pick in 2022 by the Falcons, quickly wore out his welcome in Atlanta and spent last year as the backup for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Monday, November 3, 12:41 PM

In his first game since suffering a high-ankle sprain in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy impressively led his team to a big road win over the division-rival Detroit Lions on Sunday in Week 9. While the 22-year-old's final stat line wasn't all that impressive -- he went 14-for-25 passing for only 143 yards -- he did throw two touchdowns and added another score on 12 rushing yards. What was impressive was the fact that he was able to lead Minnesota to a tough road win behind a shaky offensive line against a strong opponent in just his third career start after a lengthy injury absence. McCarthy's two touchdown passes went to receiver Justin Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson, with both coming in the first half. At the very last, he's worth stashing as a QB2 with upside in fantasy as he heads into a Week 10 meeting against the Baltimore Ravens.