Marcus Mariota and JJ McCarthy are both starting quarterbacks on struggling teams. However, one player has a much better matchup in Week 16.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy decided to bust out the Griddy before crossing the goal line for a touchdown in Week 15 and his coaches weren't thrilled about it.

The Minnesota Vikings and J.J. McCarthy have looked much better over the past two weeks. At a high level, the improved results are largely attributable to McCarthy’s play. His 5-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio in that span is a massive upgrade from the 1-to-3 ratio in his previous three starts.

The Cowboys spent an NFL-low $20.47 million in free agency in 2024, per OverTheCap.com, and they went bargain bin shopping in 2025. They struck oil with running back Javonte Williams, but most of their additions didn't move the needle. Dallas needs more from its front office in free agency in order to build a more competent defense in 2026.

The play of McCarthy was reviewed in recently published quarterback grades from Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski. The second-year player out of Michigan earned an impressive B+ compared to what he had earned in recent weeks.

Michael Carter, J.J. McCarthy, Luther Burden III, and Colby Parkinson headline the Week 16 FAAB Report. See who else made the list and how much you should spend on them this week.

The Vikings coach criticized his quarterback's touchdown celebration and said he would have preferred McCarthy sprint into the end zone.

Jerry Jones offered his two cents on Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy throwing for 250 yards and two touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys during Sunday's 34-26 win for Minny.

JJ McCarthy’s transition to the NFL was always going to be scrutinized. But the Vikings' sophomore quarterback is now facing sharp criticism from one of the league’s most respected voices.  Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter didn’t hold back while discussing McCarthy’s recent behavior with reporter/analyst Kay Adams.

Vikings legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter has not held back his skepticism around J.J. McCarthy at times this season. And even after the best game of the young quarterback's career on Sunday night, Carter still doesn't sound like a believer.

After starting the season 4-8, the Minnesota Vikings have won two games in a row thanks to quarterback J.J. McCarthy taking a step forward. He led the Vikings to wins over the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys,