When it comes to fantasy football projections, we’re all suckers for a good breakout story. Enter J.J. McCarthy, the former Michigan Wolverine and now franchise quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. If you’re passing on McCarthy in your drafts this year, you might want to reconsider. The hype around this young talent isn’t just noise; it’s a calculated storm brewing in Minneapolis. With the NFL season on the horizon, McCarthy might just be the late-round gem that propels your fantasy team to victory.
J.J. McCarthy 2024 Stats and Production
McCarthy’s situation in Minnesota is straight out of a Hollywood script. Drafted 10th overall in 2024, he spent his rookie season sidelined with a meniscus tear. While this might seem like a setback, it could be a blessing in disguise. McCarthy had a full year to learn the Vikings’ system under head coach Kevin O’Connell, whose offensive schemes have consistently delivered top-tier quarterback performances. Just ask Sam Darnold, who last season shocked everyone with 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and a QB11 fantasy finish.
Kevin O’Connell orchestrates an offense that is designed for QB success, and McCarthy is walking into this system stacked with talent. Don’t forget the weapons he has at his disposal: Justin Jefferson, arguably the best wide receiver in the game; Jordan Addison, a rising star; T.J. Hockenson, a top-tier tight end; and a solid one-two punch in the backfield with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Add a revamped offensive line headlined by rookie guard Donovan Jackson, and suddenly, you see why McCarthy’s potential is through the roof.
Before McCarthy’s injury in the preseason, we caught a small glimpse of his raw potential. He posted 188 passing yards, two touchdowns, and even showed some mobility with 18 rushing yards. That’s not just a rookie trying to survive; it’s a rookie who looked ready to thrive. Sure, it’s preseason, but it’s enough of a taste to leave fantasy managers salivating at what’s to come.
J.J. McCarthy 2025 Fantasy Outlook
Despite everything McCarthy has going for him, he’s flying under the radar in most drafts. His current ADP places him as the QB20, often overlooked in favor of more established names. But here’s the kicker: under O’Connell, almost every quarterback has outperformed expectations. From Kirk Cousins to Nick Mullens, the Vikings’ QBs have thrived in this system. If backup-level talent can deliver QB1-worthy performances, imagine what McCarthy can do with his first-round pedigree and natural ability.
O’Connell’s offense is no stranger to stretching the field, leveraging neutral pass rates, and optimizing downfield attempts. Combine that with McCarthy’s strengths from his time at Michigan, where he excelled in passing under pressure and connecting on deep throws, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a breakout.
What makes McCarthy an exciting fantasy prospect isn’t just the system or the weapons around him. It’s his dual-threat potential. While his rushing upside might not match the likes of a Lamar Jackson, McCarthy’s athleticism gives him a sneaky edge. Think of him as a pass-first quarterback with the ability to extend plays and pick up the occasional rushing touchdown. That kind of versatility can be a game-changer in deeper leagues or superflex formats.
McCarthy represents everything you want in a late-round fantasy pick. He’s high-upside, relatively low-risk, and surrounded by the right pieces to succeed. If you’re a manager who prefers to load up on skill positions early and wait on a quarterback, McCarthy should be your go-to target. Draft him as a backup with the potential to become a set-it-and-forget-it starter.
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