Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Will Howard
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Will Howard News
Saturday, June 6, 12:18 PM
A sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard did not see the field as a rookie and spent a chunk of the year on Injured Reserve after breaking his hand in training camp. While the 24-year-old was never expected to contribute as a rookie, there was a thought at the time he was drafted that he might have an outside chance to emerge as Pittsburgh's quarterback of the future. Entering 2026, that possibility looks extremely remote. Aaron Rodgers is back for one final season as the Steelers' starter in 2026, and veteran Mason Rudolph is firmly in place as the team's backup. Perhaps most importantly for Howard's long-term future in Pittsburgh, the team used a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. As a result, Howard could find himself without a roster spot in Pittsburgh as soon as this fall. In dynasty formats, managers should feel comfortable moving on from Howard.
J.J. McCarthy vs. Will Howard
Still trying to decide between McCarthy and Howard? 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 Will Howard is projected to score 0.8 points.
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