Who Should I Start? Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20.2 | 18.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Kyler Murray News
Tuesday, March 3, 11:22 AM
The Arizona Cardinals informed quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) that they will release him, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Murray is due $36.8 million guaranteed for 2026 with offsets, meaning he will play the 2026 season for another team at the league minimum. The 28-year-old didn't play in 2025 beyond Week 5 due to a foot sprain, and the expectation was always that the Cardinals would move on from the former first overall pick in 2019 out of Oklahoma. The Cardinals would have had to give Murray another $19.5 million in guarantees if Murray were on the roster on March 15. The two-time Pro Bowler is one of the quickest QBs in the league when he takes off with the ball in his hands, but injuries and consistency have been issues. He's on the right side of 30, though, and in the right situation, we wouldn't be surprised if Murray bounces back as a QB1 in fantasy if he stays healthy.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17.9 | 7.9 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
J.J. McCarthy News
Tuesday, February 24, 11:51 AM
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Tuesday that he still views quarterback J.J. McCarthy as a franchise signal-caller, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. "A lot of those feelings are still the same. It's just the timeline is in a different place for all of us than it was [in 2024]," McConnell said. The Vikings drafted the 23-year-old with the 10th overall pick in 2024 out of Michigan with the intentions of him being the team's long-term QB, but it hasn't gone as planned in his first two years in the NFL. McCarthy missed all of his rookie campaign due to a knee injury that required surgery, and he was extremely inconsistent in his first 10 starts in 2025 while missing time with various injuries. He completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Decision-making and accuracy were a big issue, but durability is the primary concern for Minnesota and fantasy managers who have him rostered in dynasty/keeper leagues. There's still time for McCarthy to develop under O'Connell, one of the best QB gurus in the league, but the Vikes may bring in some competition to push him this offseason.
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 20.2 points this week while J.J. McCarthy is projected to score 17.9 points.
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