Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Tetairoa McMillan

Tuesday, October 7, 2:11 PM

The Minnesota Vikings are on a bye in Week 6, but their return to the field could have fantasy implications for wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has not played since Week 2, but the team is targeting Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles as his projected return. Jefferson drew 6.5 targets in two games with McCarthy compared to 9.7 with backup Carson Wentz, though Minnesota has been much more intentional about getting their star wideout the ball in the past two weeks, throwing his way a robust 22 times. Despite Minnesota facing tons of injury issues on the offensive line and both opponents surely game-planning for Jefferson to be heavily featured, he still put up 100-yard efforts in both games. Among fantasy receivers, Jefferson is about as QB-proof as there is, but McCarthy's return still will be a variable worth monitoring.

Sunday, October 12, 11:12 PM

Ironically, Carolina Panthers rookie first-round wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan had a season-low 29 receiving yards on just three receptions in the 30-27 win over the visiting Dallas Cowboys in Week 6 on Sunday, but he made up for it by finding paydirt for the first two times in his NFL career. McMillan was targeted five times by quarterback Bryce Young, which tied for the team lead with running back Rico Dowdle. The 22-year-old from Arizona scored from 19 and two yards out, respectively, to salvage his fantasy day. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned with his low-yardage output against Dallas, as it's been clear that McMillan will lead the Panthers in yards, catches, and targets when all is said and done in 2025, as long as he stays healthy. He has a tough matchup upcoming against cornerback Sauce Gardner and the New York Jets in Week 7, but McMillan needs to remain in all starting fantasy lineups.