Who Should I Start? Jimmy Garoppolo or J.J. McCarthy

Saturday, September 6, 9:56 PM

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay views quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as a "starting-caliber" option. Matthew Stafford is in line to start on Sunday versus the Houston Texans. However, with the veteran signal-caller battling a lingering back injury, the Rams are confident Garoppolo can fill in admirably if necessary. From a fantasy standpoint, Stafford has had a better career. Still, with concerns about his health, Garoppolo may get a chance to start at some point moving ahead. The 33-year-old played for the Patriots, 49ers, and Raiders before arriving in Los Angeles in 2024 to suit up for the Rams. In 82 regular-season contests, he's thrown for 15,828 yards, 96 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions off 67.4% passing while also leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2019. All things considered, Garoppolo doesn't have much fantasy value at the moment. If Stafford goes down this season due to the nagging back issue, Garoppolo could prove useful for those participating in deeper SuperFlex formats, especially with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams at his disposal.

Thursday, November 6, 11:29 AM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will look to build off an impressive Week 9 win this Sunday when his team squares off with the visiting Baltimore Ravens. McCarthy returned from a five-game absence last weekend and led a decisive win against their division-rival Detroit Lions, totaling three touchdowns (one rushing). The former Michigan Wolverine will be put to the test again in Week 10, this time against a Ravens D that's clamped down over the previous few weeks. That said, McCarthy's performance in Minnesota's most recent win at least has him on the streaming radar in favorable matchups. On paper, the Ravens are just that -- affording opposing air attacks 250 yards per game (fifth-most). Fantasy managers in need of a bye week fill-in can give the 22-year-old a chance as a high-end QB2.