Who Should I Start? Josh Allen or J.J. McCarthy

Thursday, August 21, 11:01 AM

Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott said quarterback Josh Allen will not play in the team's preseason finale Saturday, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Last year's MVP previously had appeared in at least one preseason game every year of his career, but that appears to be coming to end this season. Like many teams with a franchise quarterback, Buffalo doesn't have much to gain by playing Allen and won't take any risks as a result. They'll open the regular season with a Sunday Night Football debut against Baltimore on Sept. 7.

Friday, August 29, 10:41 AM

Jeff Howe of The Athletic writes that the Minnesota Vikings' offense "has been scaled down with quarterback J.J. McCarthy taking over." Howe also notes that there's "measured optimism" in league circles around McCarthy's future, but that a "seamless transition" should not be expected. The 22-year-old is taking over for the departed Sam Darnold under center in Minnesota after Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record in 2024. McCarthy has drawn favorable reviews for his play in training camp and the preseason, but there's always a level of unknown for a player who has not seen the field in an actual NFL game. McCarthy profiles as a high-end QB2 in redraft fantasy leagues.