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

Wednesday, December 24, 12:39 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson will make the start on Christmas Day on Thursday versus the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, according to The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala. Jeff Driskel will serve as the backup with Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) unable to play following his injury on Saturday night in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Normal starter Jayden Daniels (elbow) has already been shut down for the rest of the year. This will be Johnson's first NFL start since Week 17 of the 2021 season with the Baltimore Ravens. The 39-year-old journeyman went 5-for-9 passing for 43 yards and an ugly interception in Week 16 after taking over for the injured Mariota. The matchup this week against Dallas' porous defense is friendly, but Johnson still won't be much more than a desperation QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues with everything on the line in championship matchups.

Monday, December 29, 2:13 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (hand) is progressing in his injury recovery, and the swelling has come down in his throwing hand, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. McCarthy has a hairline fracture in his right hand that kept him out of the team's Week 17 win over the Lions. Still, there remains a possibility that he could return for the final game of the season, a Week 18 divisional matchup with the Packers. McCarthy has had a rough showing in his first year as a starter, making Justin Jefferson one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy this season. That said, in any leagues with a Week 18 championship, the return of McCarthy is the only way fantasy managers should consider starting Jefferson one last time. In the two games started by undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, Minnesota has averaged 161.5 total offensive yards, with Jefferson finishing as the WR94 and WR48.