Should I start J.J. McCarthy in Week 1?
QB · MIN · Bye 6
Week 1 · 2026 season · Consensus updated September 3 at 1:20 PM EDT
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Consensus QB44 — outside the starting range in 1QB leagues.
Week 1 consensus by format
| Format | QB rank | Best | Worst | Split | Flex rank | Proj. pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPR | QB44 | 40 | 50 | ±3.9 | — | 0.9 |
| Half PPR | QB44 | 40 | 50 | ±3.9 | — | 0.9 |
| Standard | QB44 | 40 | 50 | ±3.9 | — | 0.9 |
Expert consensus and ownership data via FantasyPros · rostered in 2% of ESPN and Yahoo leagues
Latest news
- J.J. McCarthy makes Vikings 53-man roster
J.J. McCarthy has made the Vikings' initial 53-man roster.
Ari Koslow · FantasyPros · Aug 30, 7:01 PM EDT
- J.J. McCarthy to 'more than likely' start Saturday
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said J.J. McCarthy is "more than likely" to start Saturday's preseason game against the Ravens.
Ari Koslow · FantasyPros · Aug 20, 2:01 PM EDT
What the analysts are saying
“There was some speculation that McCarthy might be left off the initial roster. Those turned out to not be true as he officially makes it. He'll be behind Kyler Murray and potentially Carson Wentz as well to open the season.”
Ranked around him this week
The QBs directly above and below on the Week 1 consensus board — the players you're actually choosing between.
- #37Justin FieldsSit
- #38Ty SimpsonSit
- #39Mac JonesSit
- #44J.J. McCarthySit
- #41Jameis WinstonSit
- #42Jarrett StidhamSit
- #43Marcus MariotaSit
See the full boards
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I start J.J. McCarthy in Week 1?
- Sit. Consensus QB44 — outside the starting range in 1QB leagues. The expert range runs from #40 to #50. The consensus projection is 0.9 PPR points.
- Where is J.J. McCarthy ranked for Week 1?
- The FantasyPros expert consensus has J.J. McCarthy at QB44 for Week 1. The expert range runs from #40 to #50.