Who Should I Start? Michael Pittman Jr. or J.J. McCarthy

Sunday, December 21, 12:45 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.'s fantasy value takes a modest slide ahead of his clash with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. For the most part, the USC product has been a stellar fantasy asset in 2025, working his way to a current WR13 standing in PPR formats. However, Pittman's viability becomes murkier with 44-year-old Philip Rivers calling signals for the Colts. In Rivers' first action in nearly half a decade in Week 15, Indianapolis fell 18-16 to Seattle. While the QB was efficient, he failed to push the ball downfield and evenly distributed his pass attempts, targeting four pass-catchers at least five times. Unfortunately, a wideout like Pittman, who thrives on volume, may find it challenging to produce at the level that fantasy managers had become accustomed to over the majority of the season. The offense may adapt and evolve as Rivers continues to shake off the rust, but all Colts' skill players take a fantasy hit in the meantime. As for Pittman, he'll rank as RotoBaller's PPR WR37 for Monday's contest.

Sunday, December 21, 2:51 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (hand) has been ruled out for the remainder of his team's Week 16 matchup against the New York Giants with a hand injury. The 22-year-old took a big shot to his right hand and wrist area from Giants edge rusher Brian Burns right before halftime. It's been an injury-ravaged season for McCarthy, who has also missed time in 2025 with an ankle injury and a concussion. He will finish Week 16 with nine completions on 14 pass attempts for 108 yards, zero touchdowns, one interception, and one fumble. McCarthy also recorded two rush attempts for 20 yards and a touchdown. In his absence, Minnesota will turn to Max Brosmer at quarterback for the remainder of Week 16. Brosmer has made one start this season and struggled, throwing four interceptions in Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks.