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

Thursday, November 20, 5:01 PM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (shoulder) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day on Thursday as he battles a right shoulder issue, per Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. It's worth noting that Flacco has been playing through the shoulder injury for multiple weeks, so his status for Week 12 against the New England Patriots may not ultimately be in question. However, star Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) logged his second straight full practice on Thursday as he nears a return from the toe injury that has had him on Injured Reserve since Week 2. If Burrow is cleared to play in Week 12, that would obviously send Flacco to the bench regardless of the status of his shoulder. Flacco has largely been effective in his starts for the Bengals this season, but he struggled in Week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Burrow remains sidelined and Flacco is pressed into action for another game, he profiles as a solid fantasy QB2 in Week 12.

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.