Who Should I Start? Jalen Hurts or J.J. McCarthy

Wednesday, December 31, 12:19 PM

The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to rest quarterback Jalen Hurts and most of their starters in Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Washington Commanders, sources told Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Eagles can move up from the No. 3 seed to the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff picture with a win over Washington, coupled with a Chicago Bears loss to the Detroit Lions, but the Eagles are prioritizing rest for their starters as they head into the postseason. With Hurts set to be rested this weekend, Tanner McKee will get the start under center for the Eagles against the Commanders. Fantasy managers will also need to stay away from running back Saquon Barkley, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert. Hurts didn't run as much in 2025, but he still goes into Week 18 action as the QB6 in overall fantasy points.

Thursday, January 1, 4:29 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (hand) upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday. McCarthy did not play in the Christmas Day win over the Detroit Lions in Week 17 due to a hairline fracture in his right hand. However, after putting in a full practice on Thursday, the second-year signal-caller is trending towards returning to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday. McCarthy's return would send Max Brosmer back to the bench. If McCarthy is active this weekend, he'll try to end his 2025 season on a strong note after plenty of ups and downs in what was essentially his rookie campaign. At best, McCarthy should be considered a low-end QB2 option in superflex fantasy leagues if he suits up against the Packers.