Who Should I Start? Jarrett Stidham or J.J. McCarthy

Sunday, August 17, 11:27 AM

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham got the start in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the visiting Arizona Cardinals and looked amazing, going 16-for-23 passing for 240 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-7 victory. Starter Bo Nix got this game off, so Stidham saw most of the action under center before giving way to Sam Ehlinger late. Rookie receiver Pat Bryant was one of Stidham's favorite targets, as he hooked up with him four times for 70 yards. Second-year pass-catcher Troy Franklin was his other favorite target, and both of his TDs went to the Oregon product. The 29-year-old Stidham signed a two-year, $12 million contract with Denver back in March to return as Nix's backup in 2025 and beyond. Based on the way Stidham looked on Saturday, Denver's offense could still be decent this year if Nix misses time with injury.

Friday, December 19, 4:26 PM

In the midst of the best stretch of his young career, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy can be considered a high-potential QB2 option for managers in Superflex leagues as the Vikings look to continue their winning streak in Week 16 at the New York Giants. He'll see another good matchup against the 2-12 Giants, who rank 27th in scoring percentage and 30th in turnover percentage, but could see a patchwork Minnesota offensive line. The Vikings will be without left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) and could also be missing right tackle Brian O'Neill (heel), who is questionable. McCarthy, who has been limited to eight starts in two years due to injuries, looked significantly improved during the past two games, in which he completed 66% of passes, accounted for six touchdowns, committed only one turnover, and finished among the top 10 fantasy quarterbacks both times. McCarthy is still raw and prone to volatility, but the past two weeks vindicated managers who kept the faith, giving them a quality option with a favorable matchup deep in the fantasy playoffs.