Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or J.J. McCarthy

Friday, October 31, 11:35 AM

The Athletic's Josh Kendall reports that the Atlanta Falcons have yet to have "any serious trade discussions with another team," regarding quarterback Kirk Cousins ahead of next Tuesday's trade deadline. Cousins has been the speculation of quarterback-needy teams, although his recent performance in a blowout loss to the Miami Dolphins likely didn't help his case. As it stands, Atlanta is likely to hold both the veteran and second-year pro Michael Penix Jr. (knee). However, Kendall notes that doesn't mean Cousins is a long-term fit for the team. He figures to resume backup duties behind Penix Jr. once the latter is fully recovered from his knee injury. That's likely to change following the 2025 season.

Monday, November 3, 12:41 PM

In his first game since suffering a high-ankle sprain in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy impressively led his team to a big road win over the division-rival Detroit Lions on Sunday in Week 9. While the 22-year-old's final stat line wasn't all that impressive -- he went 14-for-25 passing for only 143 yards -- he did throw two touchdowns and added another score on 12 rushing yards. What was impressive was the fact that he was able to lead Minnesota to a tough road win behind a shaky offensive line against a strong opponent in just his third career start after a lengthy injury absence. McCarthy's two touchdown passes went to receiver Justin Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson, with both coming in the first half. At the very last, he's worth stashing as a QB2 with upside in fantasy as he heads into a Week 10 meeting against the Baltimore Ravens.