Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Drake Maye
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
J.J. McCarthy News
Wednesday, July 22, 9:12 AM
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggled in his first chance to be an NFL starter in 2025. McCarthy missed seven games due to ankle, concussion, and hand issues and finished the year with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Minnesota brought in some significant competition for McCarthy in free agency, signing veteran quarterback Kyler Murray. Given Murray's established track record from his time with the Arizona Cardinals, it wouldn't be a surprise if McCarthy is limited to QB2 duties in 2026. However, the Vikings reportedly plan to allow the battle between Murray and McCarthy to run through training camp and the preseason. McCarthy is just 23 years old, and Minnesota could still view him as a key piece of the team's future. McCarthy also brings some fantasy juice with his legs, as he rushed for 181 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games last season. With his value at a low point, McCarthy could be a worthy buy-low candidate for dynasty managers.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25.6 | 30.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Drake Maye News
Friday, July 17, 8:43 AM
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said on Thursday that he is quickly building chemistry with new wide receiver A.J. Brown before training camp begins, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. "It has been awesome," Maye said. "I'm really looking forward to playing with him. I'm looking forward to getting to camp and building some chemistry. And I know there's already some there for me. You just gotta throw it near him, and he'll make a play." Although Brown had 1,003 receiving yards in 2025 in his final season with the Philadelphia Eagles, his relationship with QB Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni soured to the point where they could not continue. The Patriots sent Philly a first-round pick in exchange for Brown this offseason, so they have a lot riding on Brown and Maye forming a strong bond in 2026 and beyond. On paper, Brown should thrive with Maye, who was the most accurate deep-ball passer in the NFL in 2025. Maye, meanwhile, has darted up to top-five status at his position in fantasy after a strong first full season as the Patriots' starter, which included a trip to the Super Bowl. RotoBaller has Maye ranked as the No. 4 fantasy QB for 2026.
J.J. McCarthy vs. Drake Maye
Still trying to decide between McCarthy and Maye? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that J.J. McCarthy is projected to score 1.5 points this week while Drake Maye is projected to score 25.6 points.
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