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.

Monday, November 3, 12:41 PM

In his first game since suffering a high-ankle sprain in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy impressively led his team to a big road win over the division-rival Detroit Lions on Sunday in Week 9. While the 22-year-old's final stat line wasn't all that impressive -- he went 14-for-25 passing for only 143 yards -- he did throw two touchdowns and added another score on 12 rushing yards. What was impressive was the fact that he was able to lead Minnesota to a tough road win behind a shaky offensive line against a strong opponent in just his third career start after a lengthy injury absence. McCarthy's two touchdown passes went to receiver Justin Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson, with both coming in the first half. At the very last, he's worth stashing as a QB2 with upside in fantasy as he heads into a Week 10 meeting against the Baltimore Ravens.