The New York Giants traded for J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings on Monday as a way to at least provide competition for Jameis Winston in the quarterback room. After Winston's poor performance in the 12-7 Week 3 win over the Tennessee Titans, perhaps there is a chance that McCarthy gets some starts this season in New York, with Jaxson Dart out for the year with a severe left knee injury.

BetOnline has already come up with some betting odds regarding McCarthy's possible starting opportunities. It appears Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals is a long shot, while Week 7 against the Houston Texans is considered the favorite time for the 23-year-old signal-caller to get his first start with the Giants. There are also over/under odds available, along with odds for the result of his first start.

J.J. McCarthy's starting odds for Giants

When will J.J. McCarthy make first start in 2026?

Week 4: 5/1
Week 5: 4/1
Week 6: 3/1
Week 7: 3/2
Week 8 or later: 7/2

How many games will J.J. McCarthy start in 2026?

Over/Under: 8.5 games

Article Continues Below

Will J.J. McCarthy win his first start?

Yes: +100
No: -140

BetOnline's initial odds give the former first-round pick a 41.7% probability of earning a win in his first start with the Giants, whenever that may be. Week 7 being the favorite for McCarthy to get his first start suggests head coach John Harbaugh could give Winston a chance to prove himself. But if his play doesn't improve in the next few games, a change certainly could be made.

Shortly after being dealt to New York, NFL insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network claimed that the plan is for J.J. McCarthy to serve as the backup behind Jameis Winston to sit and learn. Ultimately, the starting quarterback decision rests in Harbaugh's hands.

McCarthy started 10 games last season for the Vikings, and it's safe to say things didn't quite go according to plan. The young signal-caller finished the 2025-26 campaign with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while completing 57.6% of his pass attempts. He also totaled 181 yards and four scores on the ground.