Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Shedeur Sanders

Thursday, November 6, 11:29 AM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will look to build off an impressive Week 9 win this Sunday when his team squares off with the visiting Baltimore Ravens. McCarthy returned from a five-game absence last weekend and led a decisive win against their division-rival Detroit Lions, totaling three touchdowns (one rushing). The former Michigan Wolverine will be put to the test again in Week 10, this time against a Ravens D that's clamped down over the previous few weeks. That said, McCarthy's performance in Minnesota's most recent win at least has him on the streaming radar in favorable matchups. On paper, the Ravens are just that -- affording opposing air attacks 250 yards per game (fifth-most). Fantasy managers in need of a bye week fill-in can give the 22-year-old a chance as a high-end QB2.

Thursday, November 6, 5:44 PM

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders (back) was upgraded to a full practice participant on Thursday after he was listed as limited on Wednesday due to a back injury, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Back tightness forced Sanders to be inactive for the Week 8 loss to the New England Patriots, which led to Bailey Zappe serving as the backup to rookie Dillon Gabriel. The 23-year-old Sanders is obviously feeling much better after having last week's bye to heal up, so it looks like he'll be back this weekend as the QB2 behind Gabriel against the New York Jets. Sanders, whose draft-day fall to the fifth round was the story of this year's NFL draft, has been praised by the coaching staff for the work that he's put in. However, Gabriel has gotten the first crack at starting duties in 2025 after the team traded away Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. Sanders could get his shot later this year, but right now, he's only stash-worthy in fantasy leagues in dynasty/keeper formats.