Everyone is waking up to the reality that the Minnesota Vikings quarterback competition is mostly fake. Kyler Murray dominated the first open OTA session with his trademark downfield touch. This performance makes it clear that rookie J.J. McCarthy faces a steep developmental curve to match the processing speed and athletic baseline of the former first-overall draft pick.
Savvy fantasy managers should seize the discount on Murray, who is being drafted outside the top-12 quarterbacks despite a resume that includes a 95.8 (100th-percentile) College QBR and a history of high-end fantasy production. Murray is a particularly smart pick in superflex dynasty leagues as he auditions for a more secure, long-term role.
Entering 2026, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray ...
Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. ...
Veteran quarterback Kyler Murray's time with the Arizona ...
J.J. McCarthy became notorious for throwing scattershot, direct-line darts on his way to posting 13.7 Fantasy Points Per Game (No. 25 among qualified quarterbacks) and an equally putrid 6.7 Yards Per Attempt in 2025.
McCarthy has been working with private throwing coach John Beck to improve his touch and accuracy, as well as timing and footwork. If Beck’s instruction has a positive effect, McCarthy will push Kyler Murray for the starting job. Lewis offered a ray of hope based on how “McCarthy shows up to work every day” and believes he can “lift the tide for the entire team.”
This is a make-or-break season for McCarthy and his college championship pedigree. From Sam Darnold to Baker Mayfield, quarterbacks with Top-10 draft capital have come back from the dead before. He is worth a late-round dart throw in fantasy football superflex and 2 QB leagues.
Jauan Jennings signed an $8 million base contract with incentives to join a new receiving corps featuring stars Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Though projected as the WR3, Jennings’ physical frame and run-blocking ability allows him to challenge Addison for snaps in two-receiver sets and absolutely buries Tai Felton on the depth chart.
To be clear, the Minnesota landing spot dampens Jennings’ best ball and dynasty stock. Currently valued as a WR4/FLEX in all formats, the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that Jordan Addison remains the Vikings’ No. 2 wide receiver. While Jennings trails Jefferson and Addison in most fantasy rankings, he offers contingent upside if he can earn an expanded role.
Mike LaFleur stood out early to the Cardinals in their search for a new head coach after firing Jonathan Gannon in January. Gannon finished with a record of 15-36 and had no playoff appearances in three seasons. Lafleur is a young offensive mind from the McVay coaching tree and helped the Rams finish in the top five of total offense in 2025. The LaFleur brothers now join the Harbaughs as head coaches in the NFL.
Taking your first head coaching job in the powerhouse NFC West division against your old team is not for the faint of heart, but LaFleur will have some pieces to work with, including the third overall pick in the NFL draft. The biggest decision for LaFleur and the Cardinals heading into 2026 is what to do with Kyler Murray. Is this going to be a reclamation project from day one for the new head coach to make Murray work? Does the team navigate trade waters, lowering the dead cap hit, or bite the bullet and release Murray? Not playing after suffering a foot injury in Week 5 muddied the waters about his future with the Cardinals, but with a weak quarterback class in 2026, a trade may now be a realistic possibility.
Author: Dane Madoche (@FF_DaMaddog)
The Arizona Cardinals have placed quarterback Kyler Murray on injured reserve with a foot sprain. Murray started just five games so far this season and now will miss at least the next four. Jacoby Brissett has filed in for Murray over the last three games, throwing for 860 yards, 6 touchdowns with 1 interception.
The Cardinals offense has shown signs of life since Brissett took over, Trey McBride remains an elite tight end and Marvin Harrison Jr. can be counted on as a low end wide receiver two.
Author: David Leonard Jr. (@RealDelcoDave)
Marvin Harrison Jr. fantasy managers are waking up happier. Harrison finished as the WR6 on the week in PPR formats with 22.6 fantasy points.
With Jacoby Brissett at the helm, Harrison was the benefit of 10 targets. He finished with a 7-96-1 line. Fantasy gamers will be monitoring the status of starting quarterback Kyler Murray. Ironically, Brissett has been more beneficial for both Harrison and star tight end Trey McBride. For ceiling outcomes for the Cardinals offense, Brissett is the preferred play moving forward.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
