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

START

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
21.5 27.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

Kyler Murray News

J.J. McCarthy Outperforms Kyler Murray on Sunday Night

Sunday, August 9, 6:48 PM

During the team's Sunday Night practice, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy had the upper hand over veteran Kyler Murray. McCarthy got off to a red-hot start but cooled off at the end, while Murray threw multiple interceptions. This quarterback controversy appeared to be heading in the former Cardinals quarterback's favor in recent days, but McCarthy is making it interesting as both push to be the starter for the 2026 season. In five games last season, Murray threw for 962 yards, with six touchdowns and three interceptions, while McCarthy was an interception machine, throwing 17 in 10 games. Although Murray remains the favorite to win the job, both quarterbacks will need to perform in the preseason to be the Week 1 starter.

BENCH

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
1.5 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

J.J. McCarthy News

J.J. McCarthy is Looking Good During Sunday's Practice

Sunday, August 9, 5:47 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is off to a hot start during Sunday's practice. According to Will Ragatz, McCarthy is looking strong and made an impressive throw to Myles Price to the left side during 7-on-7 drills. It seems like the Vikings are committed to having McCarthy and Kyler Murray compete for the starting gig in training camp. Over the last week, McCarthy was doing more work as the No. 2 quarterback, but his strong play on Sunday could help his argument to become the starter. The Vikings obviously want to wait and see how the quarterbacks do in preseason game action before they make a final decision. Murray remains the favorite to start with McCarthy still needing some time to develop.

Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy

Still trying to decide between Murray and McCarthy? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Kyler Murray is projected to score 21.5 points this week while J.J. McCarthy is projected to score 1.5 points.