Who Should I Start? Nick Westbrook-Ikhine or J.J. McCarthy

Saturday, October 11, 6:20 AM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has seen his playing time jump since Tyreek Hill (knee) was lost for the season, and the veteran could be more involved this week against the Chargers. Westbrook-Ikhine played about 30% of snaps in Week 2 and Week 3 but saw that number jump to 47% in Week 4 and 71% in Week 5, the first complete game without Hill. While Jaylen Waddle and Malik Washington each got more targets, NWI was the receiver who got the big bump in playing time. Unfortunately, he didn't turn that playing time into any production. He wasn't even targeted despite playing 39 snaps against the Panthers and has been held to only one catch on one target in the last three weeks. He's RotoBaller's WR82, so he's still well off the radar for Week 6 against the Chargers, but his increase in playing time could eventually lead to better results for the free agent addition.

Tuesday, October 14, 11:14 AM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that he is focused on "building that foundation back up" when discussing quarterback J.J. McCarthy's (ankle) fundamentals, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic. McCarthy returned to practice on Monday for the first time since injuring his ankle in Week 2. However, he has not yet officially been named Minnesota's starter in Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Lewis reports that McCarthy's health and the team's confidence in his throwing mechanics are both hurdles that he needs to overcome before taking the field. If McCarthy remains out of action in Week 7, veteran Carson Wentz (shoulder) would likely make his fourth straight start against Philadelphia. However, Wentz suffered a shoulder injury in Week 5 before Minnesota's Week 6 bye that puts his availability in question. Fantasy managers will need to check back later this week for an update on the Vikings' quarterback situation in Week 7.