J.J. McCarthy or Justin Herbert?
Who to start in Week 9, who is better for the rest of the season, and who carries more trade value — from the FantasyPros expert consensus and the LeagueLogs Market Index.
Week 9 · 2026 season · Consensus updated November 6 at 11:11 AM EST
Connect your league and an AI analyst settles debates like this one against your actual roster.
The lean
- This week: J.J. McCarthy
- Rest of season: even on the consensus — 4 of 7 experts
- Trade value: close to even
At least one measure is close to even. Your scoring, lineup and matchup can help separate them.
| J.J. McCarthy | Justin Herbert | |
|---|---|---|
| Rest of season 4 of 7 experts rank J.J. McCarthy ahead · 3 rank Justin Herbert ahead | QB25#22–#28 | QB26#23–#28 |
| Week 9 | QB20#18–#23edge | QB25#22–#29 |
| Week 9 projection (PPR) | 15.6edge | 13.9 |
| Market Index value (redraft PPR) | 5 #169 overall | 5 #170 overall |
| Last 30 days (Market Index) | +174 ranks · +261 val | -54 ranks · -231 val |
| Rostered | 22% | 57% |
| Bye | 8 | 7 |
| Status | No injury designation | No injury designation |
Expert consensus and ownership data via FantasyPros · Market Index values by LeagueLogs
Comparing a trade rather than a lineup choice? Check both sides of the offer with the AI Trade Analyzer, or review your Sleeper roster’s strengths and weaknesses.
Go deeper
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Who should I start in Week 9, J.J. McCarthy or Justin Herbert?
- J.J. McCarthy. This week's consensus has J.J. McCarthy at QB20 (range #18–#23) and Justin Herbert at QB25 (range #22–#29). Projections: 15.6 vs 13.9 PPR points.
- Who is better for the rest of the season, J.J. McCarthy or Justin Herbert?
- The experts have them effectively even for the rest of the season: J.J. McCarthy QB25 (range #22–#28) vs Justin Herbert QB26 (range #23–#28). 4 of 7 FantasyPros experts who rank both have J.J. McCarthy ahead for the rest of the season.
- Should I trade J.J. McCarthy for Justin Herbert?
- On the LeagueLogs Market Index (redraft PPR) J.J. McCarthy is ranked #169 overall and Justin Herbert #170, so a one-for-one is close to even. Run the exact deal through the free AI Trade Analyzer for a verdict on your league's scoring.