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

Monday, September 8, 9:35 AM

Baltimore Ravens superstar Lamar Jackson played phenomenally on Sunday night against the Buffalo Bills, completing 14 of 19 passes for 209 yards, two passing touchdowns, and adding 70 yards on the ground on six rushing attempts and a rushing touchdown. Unfortunately for the Ravens, it wasn't enough to walk away with the victory as the Bills came from behind to win 41-40 in what was an epic battle of two AFC contenders. If Derrick Henry hadn't broken off long runs all night and totaled 169 rushing yards, Jackson's evening could have been more productive. A handful of the Ravens' drives were just three or four-play drives where Henry scored on 30-plus-yard touchdown runs. Regardless, Jackson remains a high-end QB1 for fantasy managers, and those who paid a premium to get him are already reaping the rewards. Next up for Jackson is a home game against the Cleveland Browns, where he remains a top option at the QB position.

Saturday, September 6, 3:48 PM

It has been a long wait, but quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a playable option in Superflex leagues with his Minnesota Vikings set to take on the Chicago Bears in Week 1. The second-year quarterback missed his entire rookie season after sustaining a meniscus injury, but it's now his show in Minnesota after the Vikings parted ways with Sam Darnold in the offseason. He'll start with a road game against a strong Bears pass defense that allowed the fewest passing touchdowns in the NFL and ranked seventh in pressure percentage in 2024. With a rebuilt interior offensive line, capable veterans at all skill positions -- including All-Pro Justin Jefferson at receiver -- and a quarterback-friendly coach, McCarthy is still worthy of holding a QB2 spot in Week 1.