Drake Maye vs J.J. McCarthy: Who Should You Start?
The numbers tell a clear story here. Drake Maye put up 21.1 fantasy points per game for the New England Patriots in 2025, while J.J. McCarthy managed 13.7 across 10 games with the Minnesota Vikings. A 7.4-point weekly edge is substantial at the quarterback position.
A 7.4-PPG gap gives Drake Maye the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Drake Maye offers meaningful rushing upside with 450 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: Drake Maye sits Week 14 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.
