Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Jaxson Dart

Wednesday, May 7, 9:26 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't really acknowledge whether former first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) will face competition for the starting job in 2025. "J.J. is going to be in a great position to assume and ascend in our organization," O'Connell said on The Rich Eisen Show. "But right now, we really don't have any feelings on competition as much as we've got an obligation as coaches to put our players in position to attack that competition phase." Sam Howell and Brett Rypien are the other options in the QB room. O'Connell did say that McCarthy is "owning it" this offseason and will get plenty of reps with the starters. The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, but he's fully expected to be ready for the start of 2025. O'Connell said he's seen a difference in McCarthy's footwork, rhythm, timing and cadence from a year ago. The Vikes like him a lot, so he's expected to be the starter in Week 1, where he'll be a low-end QB2 in fantasy with upside.

Thursday, May 15, 10:05 PM

ESPN's Jordan Ranaan writes that if all goes well with New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson as the starter and he stays healthy, rookie first-round QB Jaxson Dart will sit and redshirt in his first year in the NFL. If things don't go well and the Giants are losing, or if Wilson gets hurt, Dart is expected to find his way into the lineup. The 6-foot-2, 224-pound 22-year-old has the size and skills to succeed in the NFL, but he lacks a true wow characteristic and will probably benefit from sitting and learning in his first year in the league. The G-Men have extra QB insurance in veteran former first-rounder Jameis Winston, too, which means Dart could be the backup if Wilson gets injured or benched. Even if Dart does end up making starts in 2025, he won't really be on the redraft radar in fantasy as the Giants prioritize his long-term development.