Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Arian Smith

Sunday, October 26, 9:29 AM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is expected to start against the Detroit Lions in Week 9, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. While Rapoport had previously reported that McCarthy would be the starter when healthy, his exact timetable for returning remained up in the air. Now, we have some clarity that the second-year quarterback should be active next weekend, barring a setback. Minnesota has managed to play 3-4 football despite starting Carson Wentz for five of its seven games, but it still ranks last in the NFC North as the division's only team below .500. McCarthy will face a tough task in his first game back, as the Lions are 5-2 with a strong defensive front. On a positive note, Detroit's defense has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025, so Minnesota's signal-caller could have a solid performance. The 22-year-old ranks as a mid-range QB2 ahead of his third game this season -- and his first since Week 2.

Saturday, October 25, 4:22 AM

New York Jets wide receiver Arian Smith should again see a substantial uptick in playing time when his team squares off with the hosting Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8. The rookie played a season-high in snap share (92%) last weekend, with fellow wideout Garrett Wilson (knee) tending to injury. However, he failed to net positive yardage on 1-of-3 receiving. Smith will get another chance to make an impact this Sunday, although it's currently difficult to trust any of the Jets' skill position players with the offense failing to perform. Furthermore, head coach Aaron Glenn's refusal to name a starting quarterback muddies the situation further, adding an extra variable. With Wilson set to miss another game, and Josh Reynolds (hip) questionable with an injury of his own, Smith will have a chance to lead New York's WR corps if both are inactive. Even still, he's nothing more than a long shot with New York's offense looking woefully outmatched.