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SFJ.J. McCarthy's Week 6 performance sparks Giants QB debate
J.J. McCarthy threw for 243 yards and a touchdown in relief, but Giants coach John Harbaugh has not named a Week 7 starter.
J.J. McCarthy’s prolific Week 6 relief appearance has intensified the New York Giants’ quarterback battle, with coach John Harbaugh declining to name a starter after a 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints. McCarthy spoke about trust following the game, saying, “They can trust me.”
What happened
McCarthy replaced Jameis Winston early in the fourth quarter after Winston threw his second interception. McCarthy threw for 243 yards in just over 11 minutes, including a touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely after getting picked off on his first possession. He also added 26 rushing yards.
McCarthy led the Giants on three scoring drives to get within seven points in the final minute, but New York came up short. The Giants trailed 34-10 when McCarthy entered.
Context
McCarthy, 23, is in his second NFL season and is listed as the Giants’ QB3 on the depth chart. He had played just one game before Week 6, totaling 0.2 PPR points on 2 rushing yards. In Week 6, he finished with 243 passing yards, 26 rushing yards, one touchdown pass, and one interception.
Jameis Winston, the Giants’ QB1, completed 14 of 26 passes for 152 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, and was sacked four times. Jake Haener is the Giants’ QB2 but has not played this season.
Depth chart
The Giants’ quarterback depth chart lists Jameis Winston first, followed by Jake Haener, J.J. McCarthy, and Jaxson Dart. Dart has a Sleeper injury tag of IR for a knee injury, though Sleeper’s listing may be stale. Winston has 805 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions in four games this season. Haener has not played. McCarthy appeared in one game before Week 6, recording 2 rushing yards.
What’s next
The Giants’ Week 6 game is already played. Harbaugh has not named a starter for Week 7, according to multiple reports. Winston struggled against New Orleans, taking four sacks and throwing two interceptions, while McCarthy ignited the offense in the second half.
Sleeper projects McCarthy for 0.9 PPR points in Week 6.
🏈 Fantasy impact
McCarthy’s breakout relief performance makes him an intriguing add in deeper leagues, especially with Harbaugh yet to name a Week 7 starter. His 243 passing yards and a touchdown in just over 11 minutes show upside, but his Week 6 projection of 0.9 PPR points reflects his uncertain role. If McCarthy starts, he could be a QB2 with rushing upside. Winston’s struggles (152 yards, two interceptions) may open the door. Monitor practice reports this week. In shallow leagues, wait until a starter is announced before adding McCarthy.
Quick answers
Will J.J. McCarthy start in Week 7?
No decision has been made; John Harbaugh has not named a starting quarterback.
What were J.J. McCarthy's stats in Week 6?
McCarthy threw for 243 yards and one touchdown with one interception, and added 26 rushing yards.
Who is the Giants' starting quarterback?
Jameis Winston started in Week 6, but Harbaugh has not named a Week 7 starter.
Sources
- Player data (Sleeper)
- New York Giants depth chart, QB (Sleeper)
- J.J. McCarthy replaces Jameis Winston in second New York Giants game (Fantasy Football Desk)
- J.J. McCarthy remains Giants QB3 as John Harbaugh keeps Week 7 starter under wraps (Fantasy Football Desk)
- J.J. McCarthy leads comeback but Giants fall to Saints; QB questions linger (Fantasy Football Desk)
- ‘They can trust me’: As J.J. McCarthy exploded in fourth quarter of yo-yo Giants-Saints game, John Harbaugh now has decision to make (Yahoo Sports)
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