J.J. McCarthy vs Mac Jones
Two quarterbacks fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Strong edge · 95% confident- Experts agree: consensus rank 358 vs 359
- More points per game: 13.7 vs 12.4
- More opportunity: 94% snap share, 6 red-zone touches
Mac Jones carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
J.J. McCarthy and Mac Jones are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. J.J. McCarthy holds the edge in expert consensus (QB37 to QB38). The 2026 projections give a modest edge: Mac Jones at 27 PPR points (1.6 per game) versus J.J. McCarthy at 14.
Last season J.J. McCarthy carried the heavier workload (94% snap share, 37 touches to Mac Jones's 36), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. J.J. McCarthy is the younger option (age 23), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, J.J. McCarthy is the clear pick on stronger expert consensus, the bigger workload and more room to grow. Mac Jones carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Head-to-head
| Stat | McCarthy | Jones |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 14 | 27 |
| Points / game | 13.7 | 12.4 |
| Games played | 10 | 11 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #358 | #359 |
| ADP | 224 | - |
| Positional rank | QB30 | QB31 |
| Snap share | 94% | 49% |
| Red-zone touches | 6 | 3 |
| Age | 23 | 28 |
| Bye week | 6 | 8 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: J.J. McCarthy or Mac Jones.
Frequently asked
Should I draft J.J. McCarthy or Mac Jones in 2026?
J.J. McCarthy is a clear call over Mac Jones for 2026, on stronger expert consensus, the bigger workload and more room to grow. Mac Jones carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Who is projected to score more, J.J. McCarthy or Mac Jones?
Mac Jones carries the higher 2026 projection at 27 PPR points (1.6 per game), compared with 14 for J.J. McCarthy.
Who is ranked higher, J.J. McCarthy or Mac Jones?
Expert consensus ranks J.J. McCarthy (QB37) ahead of Mac Jones (QB38) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.