Who Should I Start? Russell Wilson or J.J. McCarthy

Tuesday, January 6, 12:39 PM

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (hamstring) revealed on Monday that he played part of this past season with an undisclosed torn hamstring, according to Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic. The 37-year-old veteran said he suffered the injury on the final play of the Friday practice before the Week 2 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. Wilson said he suffered a Grade 2 tear, but he didn't tell the team. Despite the injury, Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns in the 40-37 overtime loss, also adding 23 rushing yards on three carries. He said he didn't tell the Giants because of the circumstances of knowing that he was trying to hold off rookie QB Jaxson Dart from taking over the starting duties. Wilson eventually lost the starting gig to Dart. At this point in his career, Wilson profiles as a backup signal-caller as he looks to continue playing into the 2026 season.

Tuesday, January 13, 2:54 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said he wants a competitive situation at quarterback going into next season, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. O'Connell said McCarthy "is going to be a major emphasis," but "the competition in that room will only enhance the entire team." The Vikings want McCarthy to seize the starting job, but he's going to have to earn it and play better than he did in 2026, and the Vikings are fully expected to add to their QB room to push McCarthy this offseason. The 22-year-old former first-round signal-caller missed his entire rookie season in 2024 due to a knee injury that required surgery. McCarthy missed time with multiple injuries in 2025 and struggled with turnovers and efficiency when he was on the field, completing 57.6% of his pass attempts for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 10 starts. Fantasy managers will want to see improvement from the Michigan product before considering him as anything more than a low-end QB2 option with upside.