Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Bo Nix

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.

Tuesday, May 27, 3:27 PM

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix enjoyed a fantastic rookie campaign, completing over 66% of his passes for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He added 430 yards and three scores as a runner. Heading into his sophomore campaign, the Auburn and Oregon product will have familiarity and stability he is not accustomed to. For the first time since high school, Nix will begin a season with the same head coach and play-caller in place in back-to-back seasons. He will also have the same quarterbacks coach, Davis Webb, and Nick Kosmider of The Athletic projects his starting offensive line to be the same as last year's group. Nix finished last year's season as the overall QB7, and new weapons, RJ Harvey, Evan Engram, and Pat Bryant, should provide upgrades over last year's supporting cast. Nix is being valued around the QB8 spot in early fantasy football drafts, but he could have top-five upside at the position thanks to his rushing floor and ceiling.