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

Tuesday, October 21, 3:25 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that if the team were playing on a Sunday in Week 8, quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) "might have a chance to go." Veteran Carson Wentz will make a fifth straight start in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, but O'Connell's comments seem to put McCarthy on track to be available to start in Week 9 against the division-rival Detroit Lions, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. McCarthy was put through an on-field workout on Tuesday morning. The Vikings are encouraged by his progress from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered back in Week 2, but "he's just not there" on a short week. The 22-year-old will be the emergency QB3 again this week behind Max Brosmer on Thursday night. Minnesota still believes in McCarthy as their QB of the future, but more growing pains should be expected from fantasy managers when he eventually returns to the starting gig this year, whether it be in Week 9 or later.

Tuesday, October 21, 8:20 AM

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart was in a tough road matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 7, but his final numbers were excellent. He threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns while adding a fourth score on the ground with 11 rushing yards. Dart was one of the top scoring quarterbacks of the week, but his day was spoiled by taking the loss to the Broncos, who stormed back with 33 points in the fourth quarter to win 33-32. Dart did throw a brutal interception to help fuel the comeback, but the kicking game and his team's defensive struggles ultimately led to the loss. Dart and the Giants have shown a lot of promise and upside, and they'll head to Philadelphia this week for a rematch against the Eagles. The Giants beat the Eagles in Week 6 in New York, and they'll look to pull off the upset again this week, but this time they'll be on the road. Even in tough environments, Dart has shown enough upside to be considered as a starter in most formats, with his rushing potential keeping both his floor and ceiling very high.