Huddle Up: The Vikings' starting quarterback competition will be one of the most-watched competitions in 2026, as whoever wins out will be, at the very least, in the streaming conversation for fantasy football. Murray winning out would be the better outcome for managers who draft Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, as Murray at least has a track record of providing fantasy value to wide receivers over his career, with Marvin Harrison Jr., DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, Christian Kirk, and a host of others. McCarthy may have untapped upside at the position, but you have to figure that the fact that the Vikings brought in Murray doesn't bode well for the team's confidence in McCarthy being the locked-in long-term answer in Minnesota.

Huddle Up: McCarthy missed his first season due to a torn meniscus, and he was underwhelming in 2025 when given a chance at full-time starter. It didn't help that 2024 starter Sam Darnold was allowed to walk, signing with the Seattle Seahawks, who eventually won the Super Bowl. The Vikings had their guy, and let him go. The Vikings would be trying to deal McCarthy when his value is extremely low, so a team might roll the dice and take a chance on the former first-rounder. As a fantasy manager, though, you shouldn't be as exploratory.

Huddle Up: After a shaky 10 games as the starting quarterback of the Vikings in 2025, McCarthy is in a rather unstable spot for his fantasy present and future. Throwing 12 interceptions to just 11 touchdowns, McCarthy struggled with accuracy all season. The Vikings have long been rumored to be bringing in quarterback competition for McCarthy this offseason, but Minnesota may take the extra step of cutting its losses. McCarthy is an untrustworthy fantasy option right now, as consistency and improvement are needed before we can trust him in fantasy lineups in 2026 and beyond.

Huddle Up: McCarthy will likely be facing some competition in training camp, it is just a matter of who. Depending on the name they bring in will speak on their expectations for McCarthy during the season. Regardless, however, fantasy players can avoid J.J. McCarthy until told otherwise.

Huddle Up: McCarthy was limited to 10 games this season because of injury and threw 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He will have to compete for the starting job during training camp and will be a No. 2 fantasy quarterback even if he wins the job.

Huddle Up: Brosmer appeared in a handful of games, but he isn't a long-term answer in the Twin Cities, even if the team decides McCarthy also isn't the guy. It wouldn't be shocking to see the team add a big-name free-agent QB, or draft another signal caller early. Brosmer isn't a recommended fantasy option in 2026.

Huddle Up: If McCarthy is done for the day, it would be a disappointing finish to an injury-riddled season. It's especially tough for Vikings fans, as last year's QB, Sam Darnold, steered the Seattle Seahawks to the No. 1 seed in the NFC, while Minnesota has missed the playoffs. The Vikings also had Daniel Jones in the building at the end of last season, and they let him walk, too. McCarthy might not be the long-term solution, and we'll see if they bring in a veteran or use a draft pick to address the situation heading into 2026. If McCarthy is the starter again, he is nothing more than a low-end QB2 in most fantasy leagues.

Huddle Up: McCarthy being named the starter allows for him to prove himself one last time before a pivotal offseason for the Vikings. He is looking to solidify himself as their starter for 2026, and this week could determine that for him.