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

Monday, November 17, 3:25 PM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) did 7-on-7 work in practice last week and felt good, which means he could mix into some 11-on-11 work this week, according to head coach Zac Taylor. "He's of the mindset that he wants to play football for us," Taylor said when asked if the team's 3-6 record would impact his return this year. The 28-year-old signal-caller is still eyeing a return from Injured Reserve for a big divisional matchup on Thanksgiving Day against the Baltimore Ravens. However, Burrow's progress from surgery to fix a turf-toe injury and the team's chances of making the playoffs this year will impact whether or not he actually returns on that date. The Bengals might need to win in Week 12 against the New England Patriots to convince the team's decision-makers to bring Burrow back in Week 13 if he's ready. Fantasy managers should be stashing Burrow just in case he's able to return when it matters most in fantasy football.

Tuesday, November 18, 11:39 AM

The Minnesota Vikings are now 4-6 behind struggling young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but the team is betting that McCarthy can overcome his current issues and acclimate to the NFL with time. Receiver Adam Thielen, who is back in Minnesota after two full seasons in Carolina, pointed to Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, whose improvement in his third season came after two mostly rough years at the helm. "I'm sure he's leaning on a ton of experience from the last few years that (included) some really tough moments," Thielen said, according to The Athletic. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell hasn't entertained a move and maintains McCarthy's issues are mechanical and can be corrected. Minnesota is going to give McCarthy the runway to improve, so managers in Superflex leagues will know they'll have a playable QB, albeit one going through the ups and downs of being a first-time starter.