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

Thursday, December 11, 2:00 PM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is back at the team's practice on Thursday, as expected, according to Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun. Jackson missed a few games early this year with a hamstring injury, and he's been listed on the injury report for several weeks with various lower-body injuries. The 28-year-old has played through an ankle issue of late and should do so again this weekend in another crucial divisional matchup against the hosting Cincinnati Bengals. The 28-year-old two-time MVP hasn't looked quite like himself in 2025, and he probably hasn't been 100% healthy. The good news is that Jackson had seven carries for 43 yards and his second rushing touchdown of the year in last week's loss to the Steelers. Although Jackson didn't throw a touchdown pass two weeks ago in the loss to Cincy, he did throw for 246 yards. Fantasy managers need to stick with him in Week 15 as a midrange QB1 in a good matchup.

Friday, December 12, 4:32 PM

Coming off the best game of his young NFL career, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will see another quality fantasy matchup when the Vikings travel to Dallas in Week 15. The former Michigan star has been particularly hot-and-cold, even for a young quarterback, but managers in Superflex formats can consider him an option this week against the Cowboys' defense. While Dallas leads the NFL in pressure percentage, the Cowboys rank 31st in passing yards allowed, 30th in net yards per attempt, and 32nd in passing touchdowns surrendered. The biggest issue for McCarthy has been turnovers, but he's coming off a week in which he played turnover-free ball and set a career-best mark for passer rating in a decisive win against Washington. McCarthy is rushing for nearly five yards per attempt and still has an excellent collection of weapons, giving him lineup potential if he can continue to build upon last week's blueprint.