Who Should I Start? Joe Burrow or J.J. McCarthy

Thursday, December 4, 10:55 AM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was back in action after a 10-week absence, but he looked as strong as ever while throwing for 261 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Bengals to a Thanksgiving night win over the Ravens. Burrow looked sharp for the most part and moved around well, while delivering the ball accurately and avoiding any re-aggravation of his toe injury. He and the Bengals will have to win out to have a shot at the playoffs, but Joe Cool looks ready to resume his regular role as one of the top fantasy quarterbacks in the league. Burrow and the Bengals will battle the Bills in Buffalo this week before a rematch with the Ravens. He's a strong option for fantasy lineups, since he'll need to be aggressive, and the Bengals' defense has regularly put the offense in a place where it needs to put up plenty of points this season.

Thursday, December 4, 4:27 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been cleared from the NFL's concussion protocol, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert. The 22-year-old missed Minnesota's Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but it appears he's on track to return to the field for the team's Week 14 matchup against the Washington Commanders. McCarthy has struggled mightily across six starts this season, completing 54.1% of his pass attempts for 929 yards, six touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. However, with McCarthy injured in Week 13, backup quarterback Max Brosmer threw four interceptions and Minnesota was shut out by the Seattle Seahawks. McCarthy at least remains a credible threat with his legs, as he's rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns on 23 rushing attempts this season. He profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 in Week 14 against Washington.