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

Friday, October 31, 4:59 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is set to return to the starting lineup on Sunday against Detroit, but the biggest question for fantasy managers should be whether the team can keep him upright. The Vikings, who have the second-worst sack rate in the league, are coming off a miserable showing last week in which they ran just 47 plays and gained 146 yards. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) has been in and out of the lineup, right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee) has no designation this week but missed all of last game, and center Ryan Kelly (concussion) is on injured reserve. Still, with skill players like wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, there is at least some hope that McCarthy's return can provide a jolt to an offense that sorely needs it. Playing at Detroit is a tough start, however, so managers should consider McCarthy only in deeper leagues with a superflex spot.

Sunday, October 26, 5:58 PM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 18 of his 24 pass attempts for 282 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 8 win over the Cleveland Browns. He also took six sacks and rushed for 50 yards. The former No. 3 pick continues to dominate during his breakout campaign, as he now has 17 total touchdowns and just three interceptions in 2025. He is also completing passes at an elite rate, maintaining a completion percentage north of 75 percent. All the while, he has looked like one of the NFL's better rushing quarterbacks and has led the Patriots to an AFC East-leading 6-2 start. Maye's six sacks and one interception on Sunday weren't ideal, but he made up for it with his completion rate, yardage, touchdowns, and the win. The 23-year-old remains a mid-range fantasy QB1 heading into a clash with the Falcons, who just surrendered four passing touchdowns to Tua Tagovailoa.