Who Should I Start? Justin Fields or J.J. McCarthy

Friday, December 12, 12:33 PM

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (knee) has been ruled out for the second straight week when the team travels to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars this Sunday, according to the New York Post's Brian Costello. Veteran QB Tyrod Taylor (groin) will also sit out, leaving rookie Brady Cook to make his first career start in Week 15. Cook will have one fewer weapon to work with on offense, with the Jets also ruling out rookie tight end Mason Taylor (neck). The 26-year-old Fields' disappointing first season in the Big Apple continues. Fields took care of the football, but he didn't do much else in nine starts for Gang Green this year before being benched for Taylor. In his nine games, Fields completed only 62.7% of his 204 pass attempts for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. He added 383 rushing yards and four scores on 71 carries. It's unclear if he'll have a chance to start any of the final three games of the season.

Friday, December 19, 4:26 PM

In the midst of the best stretch of his young career, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy can be considered a high-potential QB2 option for managers in Superflex leagues as the Vikings look to continue their winning streak in Week 16 at the New York Giants. He'll see another good matchup against the 2-12 Giants, who rank 27th in scoring percentage and 30th in turnover percentage, but could see a patchwork Minnesota offensive line. The Vikings will be without left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) and could also be missing right tackle Brian O'Neill (heel), who is questionable. McCarthy, who has been limited to eight starts in two years due to injuries, looked significantly improved during the past two games, in which he completed 66% of passes, accounted for six touchdowns, committed only one turnover, and finished among the top 10 fantasy quarterbacks both times. McCarthy is still raw and prone to volatility, but the past two weeks vindicated managers who kept the faith, giving them a quality option with a favorable matchup deep in the fantasy playoffs.