J.J. McCarthy DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't really acknowledge whether former first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) will face competition for the starting job in 2025. "J.J. is going to be in a great position to assume and ascend in our organization," O'Connell said on The Rich Eisen Show. "But right now, we really don't have any feelings on competition as much as we've got an obligation as coaches to put our players in position to attack that competition phase." Sam Howell and Brett Rypien are the other options in the QB room. O'Connell did say that McCarthy is "owning it" this offseason and will get plenty of reps with the starters. The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, but he's fully expected to be ready for the start of 2025. O'Connell said he's seen a difference in McCarthy's footwork, rhythm, timing and cadence from a year ago. The Vikes like him a lot, so he's expected to be the starter in Week 1, where he'll be a low-end QB2 in fantasy with upside.

There have been questions surrounding whether or not Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) was prepared to start in 2025, but the 2024 first-round pick out of Michigan has no doubts, saying, "I know I'm ready to start." The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie campaign after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee, setting veteran Sam Darnold up as the clear starter all season. The Vikings traded for former Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell during the 2025 NFL Draft, but the team has not invested in other notable quarterbacks this offseason. That said, McCarthy is the clear favorite to earn the starting nod. While McCarthy will likely see growing pains in his first year, a supporting cast consisting of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones should give him a chance to succeed. That said, he might not be on the fantasy radar in single-QB formats this season.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday that quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) is "full" with "no limitations" during the team's voluntary offseason program. McCarthy suffered a meniscus tear in his knee in the preseason last year that required surgery and caused him to miss his entire rookie campaign after being taken in the first round (10th overall) in 2024. But now that both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones left in free agency, the 22-year-old signal-caller will be given the starting reigns in 2025. Minnesota could revisit signing Aaron Rodgers later this offseason if they aren't happy with McCarthy's progress, but that's probably unlikely. McCarthy will have one of the best receiver duos in the league with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but fantasy managers should still expect ups and downs in his first full season as the starter. Those holding McCarthy in dynasty leagues have to be pleased with how this offseason has played out.