Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or J.J. McCarthy

Saturday, October 25, 9:23 AM

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb played his smallest share of snaps of the season in Week 7 in the Texans' loss, but he still has the potential to bounce back this week against San Francisco. Chubb played 25% of snaps and had five carries for 16 rushing yards, while also hauling in one of his three targets for a loss of five yards. Before the game, head coach DeMeco Ryans made a big deal of needing to establish the run against, but the game plan didn't turn out that way. Chubb still seems to have a hold on early-down work with Woody Marks and Dare Obunbowale taking over on passing downs. Before the bye week, Chubb had a pair of busy games against the Titans and Ravens when the Texans played from ahead. He could be more in the mix, depending on the game flow this week against San Francisco. He is the RB31 in RotoBaller's rankings, making him a high-risk option in a flex or RB3 spot this week, especially since his role in the passing game is limited. In his favor, though, the 49ers have allowed five running back touchdowns in their last three games.

Sunday, October 26, 9:29 AM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is expected to start against the Detroit Lions in Week 9, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. While Rapoport had previously reported that McCarthy would be the starter when healthy, his exact timetable for returning remained up in the air. Now, we have some clarity that the second-year quarterback should be active next weekend, barring a setback. Minnesota has managed to play 3-4 football despite starting Carson Wentz for five of its seven games, but it still ranks last in the NFC North as the division's only team below .500. McCarthy will face a tough task in his first game back, as the Lions are 5-2 with a strong defensive front. On a positive note, Detroit's defense has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025, so Minnesota's signal-caller could have a solid performance. The 22-year-old ranks as a mid-range QB2 ahead of his third game this season -- and his first since Week 2.