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

Thursday, May 22, 1:41 PM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is 100% physically this offseason. "I feel great," Burrow said. "This is the best that I've felt in the offseason. Just like every year, trying to get better, trying to get stronger, faster, healthier. Try to find ways that you can optimize your health throughout the whole season, not hurt as much. I'm in a good spot." Last year at this time, Burrow was worried about his "football mortality" and was recovering from surgery he had on his right wrist that impacted him early on. The 28-year-old posted career-highs in completion percentage (71%), passing yards (4,918) and TD:INT ratio (43:9) in 2024 despite missing out on the playoffs. Rushing prowess isn't part of Burrow's game, but the passing volume should be there to give him top-five QB upside in fantasy with excellent aerial targets.

Wednesday, May 7, 9:26 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't really acknowledge whether former first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) will face competition for the starting job in 2025. "J.J. is going to be in a great position to assume and ascend in our organization," O'Connell said on The Rich Eisen Show. "But right now, we really don't have any feelings on competition as much as we've got an obligation as coaches to put our players in position to attack that competition phase." Sam Howell and Brett Rypien are the other options in the QB room. O'Connell did say that McCarthy is "owning it" this offseason and will get plenty of reps with the starters. The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, but he's fully expected to be ready for the start of 2025. O'Connell said he's seen a difference in McCarthy's footwork, rhythm, timing and cadence from a year ago. The Vikes like him a lot, so he's expected to be the starter in Week 1, where he'll be a low-end QB2 in fantasy with upside.