Who Should I Start? Gardner Minshew II or J.J. McCarthy
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Gardner Minshew II News
Monday, March 9, 2:06 PM
Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew reached an agreement on Monday on a one-year, $8.25 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Cardinals have released Kyler Murray (foot), but even with the addition of Minshew, the Cardinals intend to keep veteran Jacoby Brissett as their starting QB in 2026. It means that Minshew will be the backup in the desert next season. The 29-year-old gunslinger spent last year in Kansas City, backing up Patrick Mahomes. The forer sixth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 out of Washington State appeared in four games (one start) and went 6-for-13 for 37 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Minshew injured his knee in his lone start late in the 2025 season and didn't play again after Mahomes suffered a season-ending knee injury. A Pro Bowler in 2023 with the Colts, Minshew won't be on the two-QB superflex radar unless Brissett misses time with an injury.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
J.J. McCarthy News
Wednesday, July 22, 9:12 AM
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggled in his first chance to be an NFL starter in 2025. McCarthy missed seven games due to ankle, concussion, and hand issues and finished the year with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Minnesota brought in some significant competition for McCarthy in free agency, signing veteran quarterback Kyler Murray. Given Murray's established track record from his time with the Arizona Cardinals, it wouldn't be a surprise if McCarthy is limited to QB2 duties in 2026. However, the Vikings reportedly plan to allow the battle between Murray and McCarthy to run through training camp and the preseason. McCarthy is just 23 years old, and Minnesota could still view him as a key piece of the team's future. McCarthy also brings some fantasy juice with his legs, as he rushed for 181 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games last season. With his value at a low point, McCarthy could be a worthy buy-low candidate for dynasty managers.
Gardner Minshew II vs. J.J. McCarthy
Still trying to decide between Minshew II and McCarthy? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Gardner Minshew II is projected to score 1.9 points this week while J.J. McCarthy is projected to score 1.5 points.
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