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

Thursday, August 7, 1:31 PM

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen won't play in the preseason opener on Saturday against the New York Giants, according to head coach Sean McDermott. Mitchell Trubisky will start for the Bills this weekend and play with the starters for around a quarter. Allen could see a little bit of action in the final two preseason games, but the Bills aren't in a rush to put the three-time Pro Bowler out there in exhibition contests. The 29-year-old is RotoBaller's top QB target in fantasy heading into the 2025 season. He threw for fewer than 4,000 yards in 2024 for the first time since 2019, but he threw 28 touchdowns and only six interceptions while adding 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing TDs in 17 regular-season games. Allen will be a prime MVP candidate and has rushed for an astounding 27 touchdowns in the last two seasons.

Sunday, August 10, 9:31 AM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy finished 4-for-7 passing for 30 yards and added an 8-yard run for a first down Saturday in a 20-10 win against Houston. The second-year quarterback led the Vikings to a field goal on the opening drive before giving way to backup Sam Howell. McCarthy is now the clear top option in Minnesota, but he's effectively a rookie in terms of playing time after missing the entire 2024 regular season with a meniscus injury. From a fantasy perspective, McCarthy figures to be a high-upside QB2 flier alongside proven skill players and revamped offensive line in Minnesota.