Who Should I Start? Jake Haener or J.J. McCarthy

Saturday, December 14, 5:19 AM

The New Orleans Saints will give quarterback Jake Haener the start on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi confirmed the nomination in comments to the media on Friday. Haener took the reins from Derek Carr (hand, concussion) in Week 14 after Carr injured himself late in the Saints' win over the New York Giants. He only had one dropback in that game, which resulted in a sack for a loss of 10 yards. This will be Haener's first start of the season. During the season, Haener appeared in seven games in 2024, going 14-for-29 for 177 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. The Saints wide receiver corps has been depleted by injuries, limiting the inexperienced Haener's utility to fantasy managers in two-QB leagues who are desperate for their second option.

Thursday, November 14, 6:53 PM

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) had a biologic injection to deal with intermittent swelling in his right knee, according to a source, not a second surgery, as was reported on Wednesday. There has been no change in McCarthy's recovery timeline. "He's really knocked it out of the park every step of the way, and as his rehab has picked up, we noticed a little swelling in there. He's been doing everything we asked of him, but just wanted to make sure that there was no cause for concern, and all reports were very positive," head coach Kevin O'Connell said. The 21-year-old first-rounder had surgery for a torn meniscus on Aug. 14, assuring he won't make his NFL debut until 2025. McCarthy should be rostered in all dynasty/keeper formats with the Vikings hoping he can be their QB of the future. Current starter Sam Darnold has faded a bit after a hot start in 2024.