With the opening weekend of the 2025 NFL season now behind us, fantasy managers can start formulating their plans for Week 2. Several elite quarterbacks delivered a healthy points return last weekend and will be a popular choice when managers select their final team.
Fantasy players who took a chance on Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy may be pondering a change after his mixed performance against the Chicago Bears. However, as evidenced by former Vikings star Daunte Culpepper’s recent interview with Betway Insider, a strong case can be made for keeping the faith with McCarthy.
With that in mind, read on as we look at how the quarterbacks fared in the NFL fantasy points rankings on Week 1, before assessing why McCarthy remains a solid option.
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McCarthy was drafted tenth overall by the Vikings in 2024, but missed his entire rookie season after undergoing surgery on a knee injury. He showed a few signs of rustiness in the season opener at Soldier Field, before inspiring a gritty comeback victory over the Bears.
McCarthy completed 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He added two carries for 25 yards and another score in the Vikings’ 27-24 victory. His link-ups with Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones were particularly impressive and indicated that he is worth keeping onside in fantasy games this season. The Vikings are at home in their next two matches, which should give McCarthy a golden opportunity to build an even stronger rapport with his teammates.
Culpepper’s comments about McCarthy add weight to the theory that fantasy managers should persevere with him as the season progresses. The former Vikings star spent around three weeks with the team this summer and had the opportunity to watch the 22-year-old prepare for the new season.
“JJ got hurt in his rookie year, but it made him hungrier, and I saw that in his eyes,” Culpepper said. “I’m excited about this year and I think they’re going to be the top team in that division.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if JJ leads the league in passing. If he doesn’t lead the league in touchdowns, he’ll be right there at the top.
“They are going to surprise people, and that defence is solid. With our running game, it’s just going to go hand in hand.”
Having led the Vikings to an improbable comeback on his NFL debut, McCarthy undoubtedly has plenty of upside for fantasy managers looking for a value pick.
NFL 2025 – Quarterbacks – Fantasy Points – Week 1
- Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills – 38.76
- Justin Fields – New York Jets – 29.52
- Daniel Jones – Indianapolis Colts – 29.48
- Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens – 29.36
- Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers – 27.92
- Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs – 26.02
- Aaron Rodgers – Pittsburgh Steelers – 25.66
- Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia Eagles – 24.28
- Caleb Williams – Chicago Bears – 24.20
- Michael Penix Jr – Atlanta Falcons – 24.02
- Baker Mayfield – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 22.58
- JJ McCarthy – Minnesota Vikings – 22.22
- Jayden Daniels – Washington Commanders – 20.12
- Kyler Murray – Arizona Cardinals – 18.32
- Geno Smith – Las Vegas Raiders – 17.48
- Brock Purdy – San Francisco 49ers – 16.78
- Jordan Love – Green Bay Packers – 15.92
- Drake Maye – New England Patriots – 15.78
- Matthew Stafford – Los Angeles Rams – 13.60
- Joe Flacco – Cleveland Browns – 12.20
- Spencer Rattler – New Orleans Saints – 11.46
- Russell Wilson – New York Giants – 11.12
- Jared Goff – Detroit Lions – 10.90
- Trevor Lawrence – Jacksonville Jaguars – 10.32
- Joe Burrow – Cincinnati Bengals – 8.82
- CJ Stroud – Houston Texans – 8.72
- Bryce Young – Carolina Panthers – 8.16
- Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys – 7.82
- Bo Nix – Denver Broncos – 6.84
- Sam Darnold – Seattle Seahawks – 5.40
- Tua Tagovailoa – Miami Dolphins – 5.26
- Cam Ward – Tennessee Titans – 2.48
- Zach Wilson – Miami Dolphins – 1.58
- Jalen Milroe – 0.10
