Who Should I Start? Patrick Mahomes or J.J. McCarthy

Tuesday, October 28, 12:23 AM

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 25 of 34 pass attempts for 299 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions while adding four rushes for 30 yards in a 28-7 Monday night win over the Washington Commanders. Mahomes had a rocky first half, throwing interceptions on each of the Chiefs' first two drives, although the second one wasn't his fault as it doinked off of Travis Kelce's hands right into Bobby Wagner's lap. In the second half, the superstar quarterback put on a masterclass, continuously extending plays and finding the open man. He had only two incompletions in the second half and had a near-perfect passer rating at 154.3. Mahomes effectively distributed to his top three targets, with Rashee Rice and Kelce both going over 90 yards and scoring touchdowns, and involving Xavier Worthy for five catches and 53 yards. Kansas City's offense is in top form, and now they head on the road for an epic Week 9 showdown against the Buffalo Bills.

Friday, October 31, 4:59 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is set to return to the starting lineup on Sunday against Detroit, but the biggest question for fantasy managers should be whether the team can keep him upright. The Vikings, who have the second-worst sack rate in the league, are coming off a miserable showing last week in which they ran just 47 plays and gained 146 yards. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) has been in and out of the lineup, right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee) has no designation this week but missed all of last game, and center Ryan Kelly (concussion) is on injured reserve. Still, with skill players like wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, there is at least some hope that McCarthy's return can provide a jolt to an offense that sorely needs it. Playing at Detroit is a tough start, however, so managers should consider McCarthy only in deeper leagues with a superflex spot.