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

Sunday, October 26, 9:30 PM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts led his team to a 38-20 Week 8 victory over the New York Giants by completing 15 of 20 pass attempts for 179 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The 27-year-old has now thrown for 1,677 yards, 15 touchdowns, and one interception through his first eight games of 2025. Hurts' production as a passer was critical because he was held under 25 yards rushing for the fourth straight game in Week 8. Hurts has also scored just one rushing touchdown over the last five weeks after scoring four across the first three. Given that Philadelphia typically operates in a run-heavy fashion, Hurts will likely need to be better as a rusher going forward to provide elite fantasy production. Still, he remains a must-start fantasy quarterback as the Eagles hit their Week 9 bye.

Friday, October 31, 4:59 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is set to return to the starting lineup on Sunday against Detroit, but the biggest question for fantasy managers should be whether the team can keep him upright. The Vikings, who have the second-worst sack rate in the league, are coming off a miserable showing last week in which they ran just 47 plays and gained 146 yards. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) has been in and out of the lineup, right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee) has no designation this week but missed all of last game, and center Ryan Kelly (concussion) is on injured reserve. Still, with skill players like wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, there is at least some hope that McCarthy's return can provide a jolt to an offense that sorely needs it. Playing at Detroit is a tough start, however, so managers should consider McCarthy only in deeper leagues with a superflex spot.