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Daniel Jones vs J.J. McCarthy

Fantasy Football Comparison for the 2026 NFL Season

QBIndianapolis ColtsPPG LEADER
Daniel Jones
PPG
18.0
Games
13
Pass Yds
3,101
Pass TDs
19
Rush Yds
164
Rush TDs
5
Bye
Week 14
QBMinnesota Vikings
J.J. McCarthy
PPG
13.7
Games
10
Pass Yds
1,632
Pass TDs
11
Rush Yds
181
Rush TDs
4
Bye
Week 6

Head to Head

18.0 PPG13.7 PPG
13 GP10 GP
Bye: Week 14Bye: Week 6

Daniel Jones vs J.J. McCarthy: Who Should You Start?

If you are choosing between Daniel Jones and J.J. McCarthy for your lineup, you are not alone. Daniel Jones finished the 2025 season at 18.0 PPG for the Indianapolis Colts (13 games), and J.J. McCarthy averaged 13.7 for the Minnesota Vikings (10 games).

That 4.3-point weekly advantage for Daniel Jones 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.

Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Daniel Jones threw for 3101 yards and 19 touchdowns, while J.J. McCarthy posted 1632 yards and 11 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.

Daniel Jones has his bye in Week 14, and J.J. McCarthy rests in Week 6. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at quarterback for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.

The Bottom Line

The 2025 numbers favor Daniel Jones at 18.0 PPG, 4.3 points per game above J.J. McCarthy's 13.7. But season stats only tell part of the story. DraftCall's AI factors in weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status to give you a verdict that updates with the latest data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Daniel Jones or J.J. McCarthy in fantasy football?

Based on 2025 season averages, Daniel Jones has the edge at 18.0 PPG compared to J.J. McCarthy's 13.7 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Daniel Jones and J.J. McCarthy average in 2025?

Daniel Jones averaged 18.0 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 13 games in 2025. J.J. McCarthy averaged 13.7 PPG over 10 games. That is a difference of 4.3 points per game.

When are Daniel Jones and J.J. McCarthy's bye weeks in 2026?

Daniel Jones (IND) has a bye in Week 14, and J.J. McCarthy (MIN) has a bye in Week 6. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Daniel Jones or J.J. McCarthy a better fantasy quarterback in 2026?

Daniel Jones outscored J.J. McCarthy by 4.3 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.