Who Should I Start? Aaron Rodgers or C.J. Stroud

Friday, June 27, 8:52 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson excelled on in-breaking routes over the middle of the field in college at Michigan, which should fit quarterback Aaron Rodgers' skills nicely, according to The Athletic's Mike DeFabo. However, it remains to be seen if Wilson can stay healthy after dealing with multiple injuries in his rookie season and appearing in just one game. The Steelers are already saying that Calvin Austin III is their WR2 behind DK Metcalf, but the 24-year-old Wilson still will have more opportunities for playing time in 2025 now that George Pickens is gone. Pittsburgh is on record that they are counting on Wilson to take a jump in Year 2, although it's unclear exactly what that will mean right now. Wilson should mostly be a downfield threat, which was a weakness for Rodgers last year in New York. He's merely one to watch in most fantasy leagues for now.

Wednesday, July 16, 2:47 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a sophomore slump following his fantastic rookie season in 2023 out of Ohio State. After throwing for more than 4,100 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 15 games in Year 1, he regressed to just over 3,700 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 picks in Year 2. Entering 2025 in what could set him up for a lucrative contract extension, Stroud has trained hard to improve his physical fitness. "I've been working really hard on getting my body right -- losing body fat, trying to be faster, stronger," Stroud said. "And it went really well. ... [Working] pocket mobility, running out the pocket, throwing the rock. Everything kind of works hand in hand." Last season, Houston's offensive line struggled mightily, and Stroud was sacked 63 times, good for the second-most in the NFL behind only Caleb Williams (68). The offensive line could remain an issue after the team traded away franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil, but sacks are often largely a quarterback stat, too. If Stroud can become more dynamic operating inside and outside of the pocket, it could create more downfield opportunities for pass-catchers Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, and Jayden Higgins, among others.