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

Friday, June 6, 11:11 PM

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that a contract extension for star quarterback Lamar Jackson is on the docket for the Baltimore Ravens. "We're in the introductory stage of looking at what an extension looks like," general manager Eric DeCosta said. As things stand right now, Jackson is the 10th-highest paid QB in the NFL. The 28-year-old four-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro and two-time MVP not only deserves a new contract, but the Ravens want to get one done so that they can lower his high salary cap number. If Jackson becomes the highest-paid signal-caller in the league, which is probably likely, he'll make more than $60 million per year. He was incredible last year as the QB1 in fantasy with a career-high 4,172 passing yards, 41 TDs and only four picks in 17 regular-season starts while adding 915 rushing yards and four more TDs. As long as he stays healthy, he's pretty much a lock as a top-five QB.

Tuesday, June 17, 12:07 PM

There are plenty of question marks surrounding Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick last year, after he missed his rookie season in 2024 with a torn right meniscus in his knee. However, ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that McCarthy's arm strength has been fine after it was a topic of discussion going into the 2024 draft. "He definitely has an arm," receiver Justin Jefferson said. "That's for sure. He can definitely zip it whenever he needs to." His arm has looked especially lively on throws down the middle of the field, and McCarthy is starting to learn to vary his throws after Jefferson noted last summer that the rookie tended to throw every ball the same way -- hard and straight. With no threats to the starting job under center, the 22-year-old is Minnesota's clear starting QB going into 2025 and has some of the best weapons in the league. He's a QB2 with upside in fantasy.