J.J. McCarthy outlook
By: Jake Rajala
The verdict is out: the former Michigan Wolverine J.J. McCarthy has had a season to forget. He was miserable for three of four quarters in Week 1. In Week 2, he unleashed two interceptions with zero touchdowns. He had a rating of 37.5. He had a fantasy score of 4.82 points. With that said, the ultimate question rises: should you buy, hold, or sell J.J.?
This is bloody difficult.
I would hold onto J.J. Not only does he have a small sample size, but he plays with a Top-5 play-caller in Kevin O’Connell, and he has a Top-5 WR in Justin Jefferson and a Pro Bowl TE in T.J. Hockenson to throw the ball, too. He also showed the wit to involve Aaron Jones, who should be back in Week 8.
We’ve witnessed second year QBs like Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr, Spencer Rattler and Caleb Williams elevate their game in their second season. If he balls out, you could hold him and trade him for a second or third round pick, assuming you prefer your starter before J.J. arrived. In a deep league, J.J. still may show in his next few games that he has more potential than the majority of QBs.
The former Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold had six games of at least 20 points last season with the Vikings. Still, Kevin had confidence in moving on from him. If J.J. could get half of his games with at least 20 points moving forward, then that would be a very admirable season in my opinion.
The drawback to J.J. outlook is that he sits in a division where he may arguably have the third best team. The Detroit Lions look like the best team in the NFC. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers are 3-1. They have a potential DPOY in Micah Parsons, and Jordan Love is playing like a dark horse MVP candidate. Matter in fact, J.J. may also be the fourth best QB in the group, too.
If you decide to buy J.J. before any more games, I would trade nothing more than a third round pick right now. Or perhaps you want to get a kicker or defense for the second year QB.
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