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.
After missing his entire rookie season in 2024 with a knee ...
Will Ragatz of Sports Illustrated writes that he saw enough ...
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy continues to ...
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.
The Minnesota Vikings are entering a pivotal 2026 offseason with quarterback uncertainty at the forefront of their plans. After J.J. McCarthy’s inconsistent play and injury concerns over his first two years, Minnesota appears intent on bringing in a veteran quarterback to push him and provide experience depth behind that young signal-caller.
Sources suggest that head coach Kevin O’Connell and the front office want a seasoned veteran in the quarterback room. Some names to be on the watch for could be former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, or rumors have it that Derek Carr could make a comeback. None less, expect the Vikings to make a trade or sign a quarterback this offseason.
Author: Jake Lewis (@Lewylewis5)
The Vikings tabbed Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as general manager four years ago, and recently signed him to a multiyear extension last off-season. Adofo-Mensah’s abrupt ending as GM is on the heels of Sam Darnold, the quarterback he let leave as a free agent, making the Super Bowl. The Vikings instead chose to move forward with first-round pick J.J. McCarthy as the default starter with nominal competition in the quarterback room. Reports have surfaced after Adofo-Mensah’s canning that Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and the former GM disagreed on how to approach the quarterback room, with the surviving O’Connell eager to bring back Darnold only for Adofo-Mensah to force McCarthy onto O’Connell as starter.
With this front office shake-up, J.J. McCarthy dynasty bags just got a little bit heavier. McCarthy may be facing some stiff competition this off-season if the Vikings’ interim general manager, Rob Brzezinski, decides to address the quarterback position more aggressively than the deposed Adofo-Mensah. McCarthy played terrible football last season, posting a 79.3 True Passer Rating, which ranked 34th among qualified starters. With Kevin O’Connell’s sway in the front office increasing with this move, McCarthy’s time as Vikings starter will likely have a short leash.
Author: Edward DeLauter (@ff_litigator)
In Sunday’s game against the New York Giants, J.J McCarthy sustained an injury to his throwing hand and was quickly ruled out of the game. Many speculated that it could have been a broken bone, as he was seen post-game wearing a fingerless glove in the locker room. Max Brosmer will get his second start if McCarthy isn’t deemed healthy.
Before exiting the game, McCarthy finished the game nine of fourteen for 108 yards and a pick while rushing twice for 20 yards and a touchdown. In the two games prior, McCarthy seemed comfortable behind center, throwing five touchdowns, rushing for one and scoring as a top 10 quarterback against the Commanders and Cowboys. This hand injury will be something to monitor throughout the week, heading into the fantasy championship weekend.
Author: Dane Madoche(@FF_DaMaddog)
JJ McCarthy has his best game yet in his short career after completing 16 of 23 pass attempts for 163 yards and 3 passing touchdowns. That is good for QB9 this week heading into Monday Night Football. Talk about simplifying the offense has seemed to work for McCarthy, although the Commanders defense is one of the league’s worse.
JJ McCarthy has not been a starting fantasy nor good enough to be an actual starting quarterback. If simplifying the offense can help him take advantage of the Vikings offensive weapons, then maybe he will be a superflex worthy option in the fantasy playoffs. That is not a guarantee, hopefully he can actually get the ball to star wide reciever Justin Jefferson.
Author: Jesse Baldwin @J_Baldwin51
