Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Fernando Mendoza
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16.1 | 12.7 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Fernando Mendoza News
Thursday, July 23, 9:19 AM
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza has signed his rookie contract, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Raiders rookies are due to report to the team facility today, with the team's training camp officially beginning on Tuesday. Now that Mendoza's contract is signed, his participation in training camp will not be impacted in any way. The number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions while rushing for 276 yards and seven scores across 16 games in his final collegiate season at the University of Indiana. The 22-year-old is expected to see some first-team reps in training camp, but he will likely enter camp behind veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins on the team's depth chart. Still, Mendoza profiles as the quarterback of the future in Las Vegas, and it may only be a matter of time before he takes over as the team's QB1.
J.J. McCarthy vs. Fernando Mendoza
Still trying to decide between McCarthy and Mendoza? 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 Fernando Mendoza is projected to score 16.1 points.
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