Who Should I Start? Baker Mayfield or C.J. Stroud

Thursday, January 1, 2:43 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee, shoulder) practiced in full for the second straight day on Thursday and has been cleared to play in Saturday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Carolina Panthers. Mayfield is nursing knee and shoulder injuries, but he will be active as the Bucs look to win the NFC South this weekend with a win over Carolina and a loss by the Falcons to the Saints. The 30-year-old won't be a very inspiring QB1 option for fantasy managers still playing for something in Week 18, although he is coming off a 346-yard passing effort with two touchdowns in last week's loss to the Miami Dolphins. In the first meeting against the Panthers two weeks ago, Mayfield threw for only 145 yards with a touchdown and an interception. After four straight games without multiple passing TDs, Mayfield has two TD passes in two of his last three games.

Sunday, January 18, 9:09 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 20 of his 47 pass attempts for 212 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions during Sunday's Divisional Round loss against the New England Patriots. He also took three sacks and rushed for 11 yards. The former No. 2 pick had an ugly game, and his turnovers proved to be the difference-maker in Houston's two-possession loss. It was previously reported that the Texans have decided to pick up Stroud's fifth-year option for 2027, and while that decision isn't official yet, Sunday's game likely won't change much. However, this frustrating performance could have some impact on whether Stroud earns a long-term extension in the future. He is now 3-3 in the playoffs through three seasons, totaling six touchdowns, six interceptions, and seven fumbles during that span. He'll look to clean up the turnovers ahead of the 2026 regular season. He should rank as a fringe top-12 fantasy quarterback heading into next summer's fantasy drafts.