Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Drake Maye

Saturday, September 6, 3:48 PM

It has been a long wait, but quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a playable option in Superflex leagues with his Minnesota Vikings set to take on the Chicago Bears in Week 1. The second-year quarterback missed his entire rookie season after sustaining a meniscus injury, but it's now his show in Minnesota after the Vikings parted ways with Sam Darnold in the offseason. He'll start with a road game against a strong Bears pass defense that allowed the fewest passing touchdowns in the NFL and ranked seventh in pressure percentage in 2024. With a rebuilt interior offensive line, capable veterans at all skill positions -- including All-Pro Justin Jefferson at receiver -- and a quarterback-friendly coach, McCarthy is still worthy of holding a QB2 spot in Week 1.

Saturday, September 6, 9:32 AM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will open his second pro season against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Maye showed several flashes of potential last year, and there's optimism that his accurate passing skills and mobility could make him a fringe top-12 quarterback this year. He definitely has top-12 upside in Week 1 against the Raiders, who allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks last year. It also helps that Maye is playing with the best receiver group of his career, headlined by veteran Stefon Diggs. Maye should be started in all two-quarterback formats, and he's even a strong option in deeper single-quarterback leagues.