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Cris Carter Unloads Another J.J. McCarthy Take

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Cris Carter walks the red carpet at the NFL Honors ceremony in Phoenix.
Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter walks the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors award ceremony, Jan. 31, 2015, at Symphony Hall in Phoenix, appearing at the annual event celebrating the league’s top players and achievements during Super Bowl week festivities. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

Hall of Fame Minnesota Vikings wideout Cris Carter was rather obviously not a huge fan of J.J. McCarthy, using his platform to criticize the passer a few times during the 2025 regular season. But in the 2026 offseason, Carter thinks McCarthy will eventually get a chance to prove himself.

Minnesota has a new QB1 for now, but Carter clearly believes McCarthy still has meaningful time to reclaim the job.

The Vikings now have Kyler Murray on the roster for QB1 duty, yet Carter says not to count out McCarthy just yet.

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The Vikings’ Quarterback Timeline Still Leaves Room

A fresh take from the Vikings legend.

Cris Carter reacts during the Gold Jacket dinner at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. J.J. McCarthy
Cris Carter reacts during the Enshrinees Gold Jacket dinner, with Aug 2, 2019 marking the event at the Memorial Civic Center and Cultural Center in Canton, Ohio. The Hall of Fame wide receiver took part in the annual ceremony honoring the newest class ahead of enshrinement weekend festivities. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Carter on McCarthy

Carter spoke to Heavy this week, and to the surprise of some, he unloaded an optimistic McCarthy take.

“J.J. McCarthy, he’s still going to get an opportunity because most quarterbacks aren’t going to stay healthy for 17 games, so there will be an opportunity for him not only to learn and get better, but also to watch and learn from a guy like Kyler Murray … But I’d expect Kyler to be the starter this season,” Carter said.

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He added about the Vikings’ offense, “Kevin O’Connell has proven with this offense when he’s had a healthy QB, he’s been able to win 12, 13, 14 games during the regular season. If you look at the nucleus of players they do have coming back … you’d have to be looking at the Vikings to be back in the playoffs and competing for the NFC.”

“Their offensive and defensive lines are more fortified than they were 2 years ago; they just need consistent quarterback play and the ability to allow that defense to be able to turn the ball over and get after the quarterback.”

For the most part, Carter was spot-on.

McCarthy’s Whirlwind 2025 Campaign

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McCarthy showcased his potential late in 2025 in games against Detroit, Washington, Dallas, and New York, demonstrating confidence and effective offensive leadership.

However, the rest of his record is less promising. Recurring injuries hampered his performance and prevented him from achieving week-to-week consistency. By the end of 2025, he ranked last in EPA+CPOE, highlighting an underwhelming first season as a starter.

Ultimately, McCarthy’s availability is the major concern. Since entering the league in 2024, he has missed 24 of 34 possible games, resulting in a 70% absence rate over two seasons. He started the season with a memorable moment at Soldier Field, struggled the following week, got hurt, returned with a vengeance, got hurt, got hot in December, and then got hurt again.

Carter Is Correct on QB Injuries

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One thing is certain from Carter’s musings: Murray isn’t necessarily an Iron Man. He’s missed 26% of all games in his career, translating to a pattern of staying under center 12 or 13 games per season. If his history catches up with him in 2026, well, McCarthy will be ready to step in as the QB2, assuming he keeps Carson Wentz at bay, whom Minnesota signed last month for more depth.

There’s a world where Murray gets hurt — again, he’s not known for extreme durability — and McCarthy enters the lineup. Then, you know, he could just stay there if his mechanics have improved and his maturation mirrored that of an NFL starter.

McCarthy’s story doesn’t have to be over in Minnesota. It might just require some serendipity if the form of a Murray injury, as morbid as that sounds.

J.J. McCarthy talks with Marshon Lattimore after a game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) exchanges words with Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) following the game, with Dec 7, 2025 marking the matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. McCarthy showed visible emotion during the postgame interaction after a hard-fought contest. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Zone Coverage‘s Wyatt Wade wrote last month, “While Murray’s signing helps the Vikings in 2026, it could create an issue in the future. McCarthy and Brosmer have only one more year on their contracts beyond this season. As a first-round pick, McCarthy has a club option after 2027, and Brosmer would be a restricted free agent.”

“The Vikings also haven’t signed Wentz yet and seem hesitant to bring in another quarterback to challenge McCarthy for the backup spot. If Murray stays healthy and chooses to leave after this season, the team is right back where they started before this offseason, if not in a bit worse situation.”

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Vikings’ Life Easier if McCarthy Is Good

Minnesota picked McCarthy with a purpose in 2024 — to be the franchise quarterback after Kirk Cousins. That plan has not worked. Injuries have spoiled the forecast.

But that doesn’t mean anyone has to be low on his future. His stock took a major hit when Murray signed the dotted line, rest assured. Yet, the Vikings’ long-term outlook would be so much easier if McCarthy arrived to 2026 as an improved and healthy man. It wouldn’t matter if Murray worked out, and the Vikings wouldn’t need to eye young quarterbacks in 2027 or 2028.

J.J. McCarthy celebrates after a win over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) celebrates after a road win over the Chicago Bears, with Sep 8, 2025 marking the game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. McCarthy reacted with energy after helping Minnesota secure an early-season divisional victory in a hostile NFC North environment. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images.

In that vein, Minnesota might have two favorable outcomes churning: a chance for Murray to get back on track as a Pro Bowl quarterback, and if he does not, a hope that McCarthy develops and matures, as was the plan in the spring of 2024.

Carter is right that McCarthy will probably get a chance to strut his stuff in 2026. Given Murray’s history, it might be weird if he stays 100% healthy in all 17 games.

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Pride optimistic as Headley Grange targets 2026 All Aged Stakes at Randwick

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The gelding Headley Grange has rewarded Adam Hyeronimus with six wins across eight outings, prompting his owners to back the jockey for top results in the All Aged Stakes at Randwick.

Opening his latest preparation with flair, the five-year-old stormed to fourth close to Joliestar in his return in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m) and followed with another bold finish for fifth to Autumn Glow in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m).

On the downside, during his last start in the Doncaster Mile (1600m), behavioral issues surfaced as he became unsettled and hard to box, ending up seventh.

Joe Pride, trainer of the horse, expects Hyeronimus’s presence to promote a calmer approach this coming Saturday.

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“Adam is back on, and Adam seems to get on really well with him and it’s the pre-race antics that cost him,” Pride said.

“Hopefully Adam can make a fair difference for us on Saturday.

“He is capable at his best. In the weight-for-age Canterbury Stakes over 1300 metres he ran a terrific race first-up and it’s a similar set-up here. It’s around that trip and weight-for-age, so I think he can be competitive. But I want to see him do the little things right.”

Headley Grange acts like “a kid’s pony” at the stable, Pride observed, but race-day nerves sometimes overwhelm him.

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Complementing Hyeronimus’s return – marked by six victories on board, notably the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) from barrier 17 last spring – Pride will utilize pacifiers prior to running.

“It’s the little percentages we’re trying to play,” he said.

“They’re pretty simple creatures, horses. You’ve got to continue changing things for them if they’re doing things wrong. If they’re not, don’t change anything.

“It’s not an easy task on Saturay. It’s a hot field. As good an All Aged field as I can remember seeing, to be honest.”

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In the All Aged Stakes (1400m), Headley Grange jumps from barrier 14 on the outside, with Pride planning for him to stride early and hold a prominent spot.

Reinforcing Pride’s take on an elite field are the competitors: only Headley Grange and Angel Capital lack Group 1 wins, while Jimmysstar, Magic Time and Giga Kick, the last three race winners, line up again Saturday.

Find the finest betting sites for All Aged Stakes betting markets.

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Blair Tickner Starts Late Bangladesh Collapse For New Zealand To Win 1st ODI

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New Zealand’s fast bowlers were clinical in high humidity in a 26-run victory against Bangladesh in the opening game of the three-match ODI series on Friday. Nathan Smith undermined Bangladesh’s chase early then Blair Tickner triggered a collapse as Bangladesh was bowled out for 221 in 48.3 overs. Bangladesh was on track at 194-5 in the 44th over when Tickner took four wickets for five runs, starting with getting captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz to nick behind on 6. New Zealand chose to bat first and posted a challenging 247-8 on a slow pitch, riding a patient 68 from opener Henry Nicholls and a brisk 59 from Dean Foxcroft, who was the player of the match.

“We thought 240 (247) is pretty chaseable so we had to bowl well,” Foxcroft said. “It’s not an easy place to come here and win games. It was extremely hot and we’re not used to it. It’s winter in New Zealand now.”

Nicholls added 73 runs with Will Young (30), defying a superb spell by pacer Shoriful Islam.

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Shoriful, who was playing his first ODI since December 2024 after replacing the injured Mustafizur Rahman, claimed 2-27 in 10 overs.

New Zealand’s pace attack then unsettled the Bangladesh batters.

Smith produced the initial blow, dismissing Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Najmul Hossain Shanto in consecutive deliveries. Tickner ended with 4-40, claiming all four wickets in his last four overs. Smith wrapped up the Bangladesh innings with the wicket of Towhid Hridoy for 55 to finish with 3-45.

Bangladesh regrouped from 21-2 through Saif Hassan and Litton Das, whose combined 93 for the third wicket kept the side firmly on course.

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“The wicket was a bit challenging from the beginning but once a batter got set it became easier,” Hassan said. “It was tougher for new batters. If I could have stayed longer, things might have been easier for the team.”

Will O’Rourke broke through by dismissing Saif, who made a team-best 57 after surviving on 1. Foxcroft bowled Litton for 46 but Hridoy and Afif Hossain resisted.

Left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox broke the partnership by sending back Afif for 27, leaving Hridoy to dig deep.

Tickner, who was bit erratic in his first spell, came back strong to clean up the tail.

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The second ODI is on Monday.


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IPL Fantasy 2026: Fantasy XI for Match 26: RCB vs DC

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The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Delhi Capitals (DC) will face off in the 26th match of IPL 2026 on Saturday, April 18, at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The decision to back Jos Buttler and Sunil Narine over Shubman Gill and Prasidh Krishna didn’t exactly pay dividends.

The IPL 2026 Fantasy team suggested for the previous game.The IPL 2026 Fantasy team suggested for the previous game.
The IPL 2026 Fantasy team suggested for the previous game.

Players playing in Match 25: Sai Sudharsan (GT) (BAT) (10 Credits), Jos Buttler (GT) (WK) (10 Credits), and Sunil Narine (KKR) (ALL) (10.5 Credits).

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Captain: Sai Sudharsan | Vice-Captain: Jos Buttler.

Total Points: 6426.5.

Transfer Deadline: Saturday, April 18, 3.30 pm IST.

Note: The suggested team may change depending on the toss or other unexpected team news. Any such changes will be updated for the next match day.

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Transfers

Transfers Made: 5 | Transfers Remaining: 100

Credits Remaining: 0.

1) Sai Sudharsan (GT) (BAT) (10 Credits) – OUT | KL Rahul (DC) (WK) (10 Credits) – IN

2) Jos Buttler (GT) (WK) (10 Credits) – OUT | Sameer Rizvi (DC) (BAT) (8.5 Credits) – IN

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3) Sunil Narine (KKR) (ALL) (10.5 Credits) – OUT | Axar Patel (DC) (ALL) (9.5 Credits) – IN

4) Cooper Connolly (PBKS) (ALL) (7.5 Credits) – OUT | T Natarajan (DC) (BOWL) (9 Credits) – IN

5) Prince Yadav (LSG) (BOWL) (7 Credits) – OUT | Kuldeep Yadav (DC) (BOWL) (9.5 Credits) – IN

With six RCB players, five of them Indian, already on the team, coming into this fixture, it made sense to make the most of it and take this opportunity to play the Indian Warriors booster, with DC also possessing a plethora of Indian talent.

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Chief among them is KL Rahul, who hasn’t made the best of starts by his high standards. However, he enjoys an excellent record against RCB, averaging 70.4 in 17 innings, and offers a solid captaincy option for this clash. Sameer Rizvi started the season brilliantly with back-to-back POTM awards, but has recorded a couple of single-digit scores since then. He’ll be key to DC building their innings against a well-built RCB bowling attack.

Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav’s overs of spin will be crucial in DC’s attempts to restrict the powerful RCB batting order. Axar could also contribute plenty with the bat, with the DC skipper due for a good outing with the bat.

Lastly, it’s a toss-up between Mukesh Kumar, Auqib Nabi, and T Natarajan for the final bowler’s spot on the team. Right now, we’re leaning towards the left-arm seamer, but depending on the toss and the pitch report, we could even sacrifice Rizvi to pick another bowler.


IPL Fantasy 2026 – Fantasy XI for Match 26 – RCB vs DC: Thoughts and Captaincy Tips

IPL 2026 Fantasy Team for Match 26 - RCB vs DCIPL 2026 Fantasy Team for Match 26 - RCB vs DC
IPL 2026 Fantasy Team for Match 26 – RCB vs DC

Players playing in Match 26: Rajat Patidar (RCB) (BAT) (9 Credits), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB) (BOWL) (9 Credits), Devdutt Padikkal (RCB) (BAT) (9 Credits), Virat Kohli (RCB) (BAT) (11 Credits), Phil Salt (RCB) (WK) (9.5 Credits), KL Rahul (DC) (WK) (10 Credits), T Natarajan (DC) (BOWL) (7.5 Credits), Kuldeep Yadav (DC) (BOWL) (9.5 Credits), Sameer Rizvi (DC) (BAT) (8.5 Credits), Axar Patel (DC) (ALL) (9.5 Credits), and Rasikh Salam (RCB) (BOWL) (7.5 Credits).

Booster Played: Indian Warriors.

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Captaincy is the most important part of playing any booster, and we feel like keeping it simple and backing the big guns with the bat in either team is the way to go for this fixture. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli are rightfully the first-choice captaincy picks, while the in-form Rajat Patidar isn’t far behind.

Devdutt Padikkal and Axar Patel are decent differential options, although we’re unlikely to go there unless the pitch report suggests something other than a high-scoring game.