The New York Giants have announced that J.J. McCarthy will start Sunday’s Week 7 matchup against the Houston Texans. Acquired from the Vikings just a few weeks ago, the third-year quarterback threw for 243 yards in just over 11 minutes against the Saints in Week 6, picking apart soft coverage and nearly engineering a comeback after replacing Jameis Winston in the fourth quarter. Winston will serve as McCarthy’s backup, with Jake Haener third on the depth chart.
The Giants enter Sunday as 10-point road underdogs with a league-low implied team total of roughly 16 points. However, Houston’s defense has been a pass funnel, allowing the sixth-most passing yards while holding opposing running backs to just 3.4 yards per carry. This doesn’t look like the matchup where John Harbaugh will get his ground game going. Expect McCarthy to air it out, particularly to Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely, who commanded over 60% of the Giants’ targets in Week 6, combining for 18 receptions and 264 yards. That concentrated volume should keep both players firmly in fantasy starting lineups despite the Giants’ bleak scoring outlook, while the remaining Giants pass catchers can be left on benches.
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The J.J. McCarthy era in Minnesota has officially come to a close, with the former first-rounder heading to the New York Giants to provide insurance behind 2026 starter Jameis Winston. McCarthy’s tenure with the Vikings fell well short of expectations, concluding after just 10 career starts, a mediocre 6.7 yards per attempt, a 57.6% completion rate, and an underwhelming 11-to-12 touchdown to interception ratio. Content to turn the page, the Vikings are moving forward with a quarterback room featuring Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, and practice squad member Max Brosmer.
Meanwhile, McCarthy’s arrival in New York injects much-needed depth into a quarterback room reeling from Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury. He is expected to slot in directly behind Jameis Winston, likely leapfrogging the recently promoted practice squad member Jake Haener. There is also a family connection worth noting, as McCarthy spent his college career playing under Jim Harbaugh, brother of current Giants head coach John Harbaugh, which may give the staff some extra insight on how best to unlock his potential.
New Orleans Saints injure riddle season continues with their starting quarterback Derek Carr. He is newest victim of the injury bug for the Saints and will miss the remainder of the season with a fractured hand on his non-throwing arm. Seems like the Saints cannot catch a break this season whether it’s Chris Olave, Kendre Miller, Taysom Hill injuries or the firing of Dennis Allen. Carr has missed 3 games earlier this season and rookie Spencer Rattler got the starts but under performed. Expect Jake Haener to start in place of Carr.
In fantasy terms this takes a massive hit to all receivers on the Saints. It could give a boast to Alvin Kamar or Kendre Miller going forward which they will have to rely on their running backs, they also may get a lot of check down passes. As for Carr, he should remain the Saints quarterback next season since he accounts for $51 million and if they release him, they will eat $50 million, so expect Carr on the Saints next year.
Saints backup quarterback Jake Haener learned that he had a rare form of skin cancer to which he will seek treatment. While Jake Haener will be competing with Spencer Rattler for the No.2 spot behind Derek Carr, Haener will be battling off the field for his health.
Fantasy football provides an escape from the daily stress and strain of life. Seeing a player go through health issues helps put things in perspective.
As far as viability for fantasy football, Jake Haener is a good stash in superflex Dynasty leagues where you deploy the ‘anyQBona53’ strategy. Last year proved that it is valuable to stash quarterbacks much in the same way backup running backs provide contingent value. Overall, stash Jake Haener on your superflex rosters and root for the Saints quarterback to be healthy on and off the football field.
