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

Friday, November 28, 4:41 PM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert enters Week 13 eager for a bounce-back after his worst performance of the season in Week 11. In the team's disappointing 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Herbert completed just 10 of 18 passes for 81 yards and threw an interception before being benched early, marking his first game without a passing touchdown this season. For the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Herbert should find better success despite the Raiders not having allowed a 300-yard passer this season. The Las Vegas defense plays zone coverage at the second-highest rate, where Herbert ranks middle-of-the-pack. However, his battered offensive line has allowed 35 sacks this season. That vulnerability raises concerns that Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman hopefully addressed during the bye week. If the Chargers' defense can contain the struggling Las Vegas offense, the game may lean more toward a balanced running attack. RotoBaller ranks Herbert as QB9 this week, making him a solid but somewhat risky low-end QB1 with a limited ceiling due to protection and scheme issues.

Friday, November 28, 3:18 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) remains in the NFL's concussion protocol and has officially been ruled out for his team's Week 13 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. With McCarthy sidelined, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will make his first NFL start against Seattle. McCarthy's latest injury is the latest setback in what's been a disastrous 2025 season for the 22-year-old. He's completed just 54.1% of his pass attempts and thrown 10 interceptions across six starts this season, and Week 13 will mark his sixth missed game due to injury. If Brosmer produces in a tough spot against the Seahawks, there's a chance he could get an extended look as the Minnesota starter. In his senior season at the University of Minnesota in 2024, Brosmer completed 66.5% of his pass attempts for 2,828 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions across 13 games played.