J.J. McCarthy 2026 fantasy outlook and rest-of-season projection
- Age
- 23
- Height / weight
- 6'3", 219 lb
- Experience
- 3rd season
- Drafted
- 2024 R1, #10
2025 Season
- PPR PPG
- 13.7
- Pos rank
- QB29
- Rostered
- 5%
Week 4 vs. Cardinals, Sun Oct 4, 1:00 PM ET 4th vs. QBs, favorable
J.J. McCarthy Rest-of-Season Outlook
QB3 for deep leagues only
Preseason Projection vs. Reality
He finished QB30 last season at 13.7 points per game.
Our 2026 Preseason Outlook
McCarthy's debut season offered little to build excitement on. Across 10 games he completed just 57.6% of his throws for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, and the underlying numbers were uglier than the box score: a -0.151 EPA per play, a 41% success rate, and a -5.7 CPOE that pegged him as a clear negative as a passer. His 21.3% bad-throw rate and 51 poor throws underscore the accuracy concerns, though 181 rushing yards and four scores on 37 carries added a thin floor.
The bigger problem is opportunity. Minnesota brought in Kyler Murray, who profiles as the Week 1 favorite, pushing McCarthy toward QB36 territory with an ADP outside pick 270 and roster rates near 2.5%. The franchise still believes in him long-term, so he's a stash worth monitoring, but until the depth chart clears he's an afterthought in standard formats.
What Drives His Outlook
His 2025 rank among the 41 quarterbacks who played at least six games. Each bar is one quarterback, best on the left; his is highlighted.
Passing volume
Efficiency
Rushing
- Success rate
- 41.0%
- CPOE
- −5.7
- Sacks taken
- 27
- Pressure rate
- 26.5%
- Bad-throw rate
- 21.3%
- Deep-attempt rate
- 13.0%
What Could Change His Value
Upside
- A soft stretchThe Cardinals in Week 4 and the Commanders in Week 5 are top-10 matchups for QBs.Wk 4 ARI, 4thWk 5 WAS, 2ndWk 6 NO, 17thWk 7 HOU, 9th
Risk
- RoleHe's QB2 on the depth chart.
- Light passing volume24.3 attempts per game, 35th of 41 QBs in 2025.
- Pressure and sacks27 sacks and a 26.5% pressure rate in 2025.
All J.J. McCarthy stats & analysis
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J.J. McCarthy Fantasy Outlook FAQ
What is J.J. McCarthy's fantasy outlook for the rest of the 2026 season?
J.J. McCarthy projects as a qB3 for deep leagues only for the rest of the 2026 season: a streamer in superflex and 2QB leagues and waiver-wire material in 1QB leagues. His efficiency (-0.15 EPA per play, 37th of 41 QBs in 2025) holds him back. See his live rank in Redraft Command.
What is J.J. McCarthy's rest-of-season fantasy ranking?
J.J. McCarthy is the QB30 in PPR points per game. That puts him in QB3 territory, waiver-wire material in 12-team 1QB leagues.
What is J.J. McCarthy's projected role going forward?
J.J. McCarthy is QB2 on the depth chart, so a bigger role needs an injury or a change ahead of him.
What is J.J. McCarthy's fantasy football upside?
J.J. McCarthy's upside: the Cardinals in Week 4 and the Commanders in Week 5 are top-10 matchups for QBs.
What could hurt J.J. McCarthy's fantasy value?
J.J. McCarthy's risks: his efficiency (-0.15 EPA per play, 37th of 41 QBs in 2025) limits his scoring. See his injury status and history.
How difficult is J.J. McCarthy's remaining fantasy schedule?
Favorable: of his next seven games, 5 come against a top-10 matchup for QBs and 1 against one of the stingiest defenses, by PPR points allowed to the position.