Who Should I Start? Jacoby Brissett or J.J. McCarthy


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jacoby Brissett News

Cardinals Plan to Keep Jacoby Brissett as Their Starting QB

Monday, March 9, 2:12 PM

The Arizona Cardinals' "current intention" is to keep Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback in 2026, with Gardner Minshew serving as the backup, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Brissett took over for the injured Kyler Murray (foot), who has since been released, after he suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 5. The 33-year-old veteran proceeded to have a career year in a pass-happy offense, completing 64.9% of his passes for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 14 games played (12 starts). Brissett quickly became a QB streamer for QB-needy fantasy managers, and he was money in superflex leagues as well, with the Cardinals throwing the ball often while frequently playing down multiple scores. He'll be in play in two-QB leagues again in 2026 as long as he's starting, although the Cardinals may look to become more balanced on offense under new head coach Mike LaFleur.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
17.9 7.9 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

J.J. McCarthy News

Kevin O'Connell Still Views J.J. McCarthy as the Franchise QB

Tuesday, February 24, 11:51 AM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Tuesday that he still views quarterback J.J. McCarthy as a franchise signal-caller, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. "A lot of those feelings are still the same. It's just the timeline is in a different place for all of us than it was [in 2024]," McConnell said. The Vikings drafted the 23-year-old with the 10th overall pick in 2024 out of Michigan with the intentions of him being the team's long-term QB, but it hasn't gone as planned in his first two years in the NFL. McCarthy missed all of his rookie campaign due to a knee injury that required surgery, and he was extremely inconsistent in his first 10 starts in 2025 while missing time with various injuries. He completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Decision-making and accuracy were a big issue, but durability is the primary concern for Minnesota and fantasy managers who have him rostered in dynasty/keeper leagues. There's still time for McCarthy to develop under O'Connell, one of the best QB gurus in the league, but the Vikes may bring in some competition to push him this offseason.


Jacoby Brissett vs. J.J. McCarthy

Still trying to decide between Brissett and McCarthy? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jacoby Brissett is projected to score 0.0 points this week while J.J. McCarthy is projected to score 17.9 points.