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


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jimmy Garoppolo News

Jimmy Garoppolo Open to Playing in the Right Situation

Wednesday, July 22, 4:22 PM

Free-agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo considered retirement this spring, but he is still open to playing in 2026 in "the right situation," according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. With that said, Garafolo added that nothing is imminent in terms of Garoppolo signing with a team, and it might take an injury to a current QB on a roster for an NFL team to reach out to him before the start of the regular season this fall. The 34-year-old former second-rounder by the New England Patriots in 2014 out of Eastern Illinois was the insurance policy for veteran Matthew Stafford with the Los Angeles Rams the last two seasons, but he played in only four games (one start) and attempted just 41 passes in that time. The Rams have now moved on after surprising everyone by drafting Ty Simpson in the first round back in April. Jimmy G has 12 years of NFL experience under his belt, but if he does sign with a team for 2026, it will most likely be as a mentor and experienced backup rather than a guaranteed starter.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.5 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

J.J. McCarthy News

Vikings Expect J.J. McCarthy to be on the Week 1 Roster

Wednesday, September 2, 10:15 AM

Minnesota Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley said on Wednesday that he expects quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle), who has practiced in full the last two days, to be on the Week 1 roster, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. However, Teasley would not discuss whether McCarthy would be the backup to starter Kyler Murray over veteran Carson Wentz. The 23-year-old former 10th overall pick from Michigan in 2024 injured his ankle in the second preseason game and then was held out of the preseason finale, leading to speculation that the Vikings might cut McCarthy altogether if they could not find a trade partner for him. Not only will he be on the Week 1 roster, but McCarthy could still win the backup job now that he appears to be recovered from his ankle injury. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season after having knee surgery, and he flopped as the full-time starter in 2025, throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in only 10 games while dealing with multiple injuries. His dynasty/keeper stock is at an all-time low going into the start of the 2026 season.


Jimmy Garoppolo vs. J.J. McCarthy

Still trying to decide between Garoppolo and McCarthy? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jimmy Garoppolo is projected to score 0.0 points this week while J.J. McCarthy is projected to score 1.5 points.