Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Cam Ward

Tuesday, June 17, 12:07 PM

There are plenty of question marks surrounding Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick last year, after he missed his rookie season in 2024 with a torn right meniscus in his knee. However, ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that McCarthy's arm strength has been fine after it was a topic of discussion going into the 2024 draft. "He definitely has an arm," receiver Justin Jefferson said. "That's for sure. He can definitely zip it whenever he needs to." His arm has looked especially lively on throws down the middle of the field, and McCarthy is starting to learn to vary his throws after Jefferson noted last summer that the rookie tended to throw every ball the same way -- hard and straight. With no threats to the starting job under center, the 22-year-old is Minnesota's clear starting QB going into 2025 and has some of the best weapons in the league. He's a QB2 with upside in fantasy.

Wednesday, July 30, 3:42 PM

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward has struggled in the first two padded practices of training camp. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Miami has been off-target and has thrown several interceptions during team periods. The 23-year-old said the team's offense has been "very mid" so far, but he did not deflect blame. "At the end of the day, it all starts with me," Ward said. "I just don't think we're where we need to be, but we've got a little bit of time." Rookie quarterbacks often struggle mightily early in their first NFL offseason, especially No. 1 overall picks with limited weapons. Ward is an interesting dynasty asset, but he's unlikely to be worth a firm roster spot in 12-team redraft leagues this season. Tennessee lacks proven playmakers behind Calvin Ridley, and plenty of growing pains are expected. Ward will kick off his regular-season career in Denver against one of the league's best defenses.