Who Should I Start? Lamar Jackson or J.J. McCarthy

Thursday, January 1, 3:18 PM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (back) said he will "100%" play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday night against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. Jackson practiced in full on Wednesday and was on the practice field for a second straight day on Thursday. The two-time MVP will return this weekend after missing the Week 17 win over the Green Bay Packers with a back contusion that he suffered in the Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots. Jackson has not been very healthy in 2025, and the results have shown, as he hasn't been a top-10 fantasy QB. He looks to be the healthiest he's been in a while, though, going into the AFC North title game, and he'll be squaring off against a Steelers defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing QBs. There's some hope that Jackson can bounce back as a QB1 in Week 18.

Thursday, January 1, 4:29 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (hand) upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday. McCarthy did not play in the Christmas Day win over the Detroit Lions in Week 17 due to a hairline fracture in his right hand. However, after putting in a full practice on Thursday, the second-year signal-caller is trending towards returning to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday. McCarthy's return would send Max Brosmer back to the bench. If McCarthy is active this weekend, he'll try to end his 2025 season on a strong note after plenty of ups and downs in what was essentially his rookie campaign. At best, McCarthy should be considered a low-end QB2 option in superflex fantasy leagues if he suits up against the Packers.