Jalen Hurts vs J.J. McCarthy: Who Should You Start?
The numbers tell a clear story here. Jalen Hurts put up 18.8 fantasy points per game for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, while J.J. McCarthy managed 12.5 across 10 games with the Minnesota Vikings. A 6.3-point weekly edge is substantial at the quarterback position.
That 6.3-point weekly advantage for Jalen Hurts is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
Jalen Hurts offers meaningful rushing upside with 421 yards on the ground in 2025, which separates his floor from a pocket passer like J.J. McCarthy (1632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns). In games where the passing matchup looks ugly, that rushing production can be the entire difference on a start/sit call.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Jalen Hurts sits Week 9 while J.J. McCarthy is off Week 6. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
