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News

J.J. McCarthy starts for Giants in Week 7 vs. Texans, Tank Dell returns

J.J. McCarthy is starting at quarterback for the Giants against the Texans, while Tank Dell is set to return for Houston.

By Cole Hartwell

J.J. McCarthy will start at quarterback for the New York Giants in Week 7 against the Houston Texans, according to head coach John Harbaugh, via Yahoo Sports. McCarthy gets the nod over Jameis Winston.

What happened

Harbaugh confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that McCarthy would start against the Texans, per Yahoo Sports. The move comes after McCarthy replaced Winston in the Giants’ 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 6. McCarthy entered that game with New York trailing 34-10 in the fourth quarter, threw an interception on his first drive, and then led a rally that fell just short, with 243 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception on 11-of-21 passing.

McCarthy has a four-game winning streak entering Sunday’s game, according to NBC Sports / ProFootballTalk. The Texans have won two in a row, and are seeking to avoid starting 0-4 at home for the first time in franchise history.

Tank Dell returns

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell is set to return this week from a knee injury he suffered in 2024, according to Yahoo Sports. Head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed on Monday that Dell will play against the Giants. “I don’t have any expectations, I’m just happy to see him out there,” Ryans said, via ESPN Radio’s Will Kunkel.

Dell’s injury occurred in December 2024, when he caught a deep pass from C.J. Stroud against the Kansas City Chiefs and teammate Jared Wayne crashed into Dell’s left knee. Dell made the catch and scored a 30-yard touchdown, but had to be driven off the field on a stretcher and remained in a Kansas City-area hospital overnight.

Context

McCarthy has appeared in two games this season, totaling 17.5 PPR points, 243 passing yards, one touchdown, one interception and 28 rushing yards. His only significant action came in Week 6, when he completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown, and added 26 rushing yards. Winston has played five games, totaling 63.9 PPR points, 957 passing yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions. Sleeper projects McCarthy for 13.3 PPR points in Week 7.

Dell has not played this season. Sleeper projects him for 1.9 PPR points in Week 7.

Depth chart

McCarthy is listed as QB1 on the Giants’ depth chart, ahead of Winston (QB2), Jake Haener (QB3) and Jaxson Dart (QB4). Dart has a Sleeper injury tag of “IR” (knee - meniscus). Winston has thrown for 957 yards and seven touchdowns in five games. Haener has not played this season. Dart has 27.4 PPR points in two games.

For the Texans, Dell is listed as SWR6 on the depth chart.

Timeline

On Oct. 18, Fantasy Football Desk reported that McCarthy replaced Winston in the fourth quarter of Week 6 against the Saints, with the Giants trailing 34-10. Winston had completed 14 of 26 passes for 152 yards, one touchdown and one interception. McCarthy threw an interception, passed for 243 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for 26 yards.

On Oct. 19, Fantasy Football Desk reported that McCarthy’s Week 6 performance had sparked a quarterback debate, and that Harbaugh had not yet named a starter. McCarthy said, “They can trust me.”

On Oct. 25, Fantasy Football Desk reported that Cam Skattebo was expected to resume his lead back role, and that McCarthy had a long leash, according to Ian Rapoport.

What’s next

The Giants play the Texans on Sunday, October 25 in Houston. The game is in progress.

🏈 Fantasy impact

McCarthy gets his first start after a spark in Week 6, but his projection of 13.3 PPR points is modest. He’s a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues. Winston drops to QB2 and can be dropped in most formats. Dell’s return is notable, but with a projection of just 1.9 PPR points, he should be left on benches until he shows he’s fully recovered. Stroud benefits from Dell’s return and remains a must-start. Add McCarthy in deep superflex leagues if you need a bye-week fill-in, but don’t start him over reliable QB1s.

Quick answers

Will J.J. McCarthy start in Week 7?

Yes, McCarthy will start at quarterback for the Giants against the Texans, according to head coach John Harbaugh.

Is Tank Dell playing in Week 7?

Yes, Dell is set to return from his knee injury and will play against the Giants, per head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Sources