The Minnesota Vikings will visit the New York Giants in Week 16. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding QB J.J. McCarthy.
Is McCarthy Playing in Week 16?
McCarthy is not on the injury report and barring a surprise, he is expected to play.
We’ll continue to monitor the Vikings’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit McCarthy in Week 16?
It’s hard to know what to make of J.J. McCarthy right now, as a fantasy asset or a real life franchise centerpiece.
He carries himself the right way and has shown flashes, but his struggles to get Justin Jefferson is among the most confusing trends going in the NFL right now.
On Sunday night in Dallas, he was two-of-eight when throwing to his WR1 and 13-of-16 when targeting anyone else wearing purple.
It’s annoying and enough of a concern to completely have him off of my radar for this week in redraft, but I think I’m encouraged long term?
That sounds counterintuitive, but would you rather a young QB have to develop a connection with one of the best receivers in the game or work on honing his game to a point where average NFL talents can succeed?
Him getting on the same page with Jefferson seems to be the only thing standing in his way of being a top-15 play next season. McCarthy is up to three rushing touchdowns in eight starts this season and has a 10+ yard rush in five of those contests. The mobility is good enough and there are enough breadcrumbs to give me hope.
Against the Cowboys, he was eight-of-12 with two scores when running play-action and over the past two weeks, he’s eight-of-13 with two touchdowns and no interceptions when throwing deep down field.
This is a talented team with a high-end playcaller and a minimum of nine games per season indoors. I’m not playing him in Week 16, but for 2026, why can’t he be on the low-end QB1 radar?
Right now, just over two fantasy PPG separate QB9-18.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Cheat Sheet.
McCarthy’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 16
McCarthy is projected to score 13.1 fantasy points in PPR formats.
We project McCarthy to throw for 165 yards and 0.9 passing touchdowns with 0.5 interceptions. McCarthy could also add 16 rushing yards and 0.3 rushing touchdowns on the ground.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 16 Weather Impact: Vikings at Giants
The forecast for kickoff is 46 degrees Fahrenheit with 13 mph winds. These are ideal conditions for fantasy production.
