Who Should I Start? Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy

Wednesday, April 9, 1:13 PM

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray said that he feels like he needs to run more in 2025 and is open to running more next season. "It's such a weapon," Murray said. The 27-year-old two-time Pro Bowler and former Offensive Rookie of the Year ran the ball 78 times for 572 yards (7.3 yards per carry) and five touchdowns in 17 starts in 2024. His 572 rushing yards ranked fourth in the league behind Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels and Jalen Hurts, with his five TDs tying him for sixth-most in the NFL. As a passer, Murray completed 68.8% of his 541 pass attempts for 3,851 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 touchdowns. Overall, he finished as the QB10 in fantasy scoring, and his elite rushing ability should continue to give him a high floor as a low-end QB1. If he makes good on his promise to run more in 2025, he could end up being even more of a value pick at the position in fantasy drafts this fall.

Wednesday, May 7, 9:26 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't really acknowledge whether former first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) will face competition for the starting job in 2025. "J.J. is going to be in a great position to assume and ascend in our organization," O'Connell said on The Rich Eisen Show. "But right now, we really don't have any feelings on competition as much as we've got an obligation as coaches to put our players in position to attack that competition phase." Sam Howell and Brett Rypien are the other options in the QB room. O'Connell did say that McCarthy is "owning it" this offseason and will get plenty of reps with the starters. The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, but he's fully expected to be ready for the start of 2025. O'Connell said he's seen a difference in McCarthy's footwork, rhythm, timing and cadence from a year ago. The Vikes like him a lot, so he's expected to be the starter in Week 1, where he'll be a low-end QB2 in fantasy with upside.