Who Should I Start? Dillon Gabriel or J.J. McCarthy

Friday, May 30, 8:21 PM

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel appears to be a longshot to win the starting gig to begin the season. Zac Jackson of The Athletic believes there's really no scenario where Gabriel wins the No. 1 spot on Day 1. This news shouldn't really shock anyone as Gabriel was a third-round pick during this year's draft. It's not often that third-round quarterbacks get to start under center Day 1, but that doesn't mean Gabriel is doomed. Both Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders have uphill battles ahead of themselves heading into training camp. It looks like it's going to be a four-quarterback battle between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Sanders, and Gabriel. Both rookie quarterbacks are worth stashing in dynasty leagues, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect them to be relevant for Week 1.

Wednesday, May 7, 9:26 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't really acknowledge whether former first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) will face competition for the starting job in 2025. "J.J. is going to be in a great position to assume and ascend in our organization," O'Connell said on The Rich Eisen Show. "But right now, we really don't have any feelings on competition as much as we've got an obligation as coaches to put our players in position to attack that competition phase." Sam Howell and Brett Rypien are the other options in the QB room. O'Connell did say that McCarthy is "owning it" this offseason and will get plenty of reps with the starters. The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, but he's fully expected to be ready for the start of 2025. O'Connell said he's seen a difference in McCarthy's footwork, rhythm, timing and cadence from a year ago. The Vikes like him a lot, so he's expected to be the starter in Week 1, where he'll be a low-end QB2 in fantasy with upside.