Who Should I Start? Tyler Shough or J.J. McCarthy


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
20.7 16.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

Tyler Shough News

Tyler Shough Emerging as Top Late-Round QB with League-Winning Upside

Sunday, August 23, 1:54 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough is a definite redraft riser heading into the 2026 season. He threw for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns in 11 games, adding 195 yards and three scores on the ground. He really picked it up late, ranking as the QB12 from Week 9 through the end of the season and QB5 from Weeks 12-18. The Saints have since added Travis Etienne Jr. and first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson, giving Shough more help around him. However, Tyson is dealing with a hamstring injury and is expected to miss the next two months, so Chris Olave could see more targets early in the season. Shough is currently going around QB21 in current drafts, which is well outside the range of quarterbacks expected to be weekly starters, and his rushing ability gives him another way to put up points. If the new additions help the passing game as expected and he can maintain his current end-of-season pace, Shough could provide immense value at his ADP.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.5 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

J.J. McCarthy News

J.J. McCarthy Banged Up After Saturday's Preseason Game

Sunday, August 23, 7:32 AM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy would have played longer in Saturday's preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens if he had not gotten "banged up" during a rough first quarter, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. McCarthy only played 18 offensive snaps over four series in the first quarter and struggled with his accuracy while taking three hits and a sack. O'Connell was hoping to send McCarthy out for at least one more possession. The Vikings have not revealed a specific injury, but it is notable after several injury-plagued seasons in Minnesota to begin his NFL career after he was taken 10th overall out of Michigan in 2024. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee and missed seven games in 2025 with a high right-ankle sprain and a concussion. He also missed time with a hairline fracture in his right hand. He finished 5-for-10 passing for 81 yards against Baltimore on Saturday. While McCarthy might be banged up, it is unlikely that he will not be ready for the start of the regular season in several weeks as the QB2 behind Kyler Murray.


Tyler Shough vs. J.J. McCarthy

Still trying to decide between Shough and McCarthy? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Tyler Shough is projected to score 20.7 points this week while J.J. McCarthy is projected to score 1.5 points.