Who Should I Start? Brock Purdy or C.J. Stroud

Friday, November 22, 10:28 PM

According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's (shoulder) status for the team's Week 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bills is "really up in the air." ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the news. Yikes. The Iowa State product left San Francisco's Week 11 loss to the Seattle Seahawks with some shoulder soreness, but after his Monday MRI came back clean, San Fran thought a few days of rest would do the field general some good. However, upon his appearance at Thursday's practice, his shoulder pain "surprised him," and they "had to shut him down." It's unfortunate news for the 49ers offense as what was thought to be a routine ailment has potentially evolved into a multi-week injury. It's possible that a few extra days of rest could quell the pain, but at this time, fantasy managers will want to prepare for the worst-case scenario. With Brandon Allen set to make his first start this season in Purdy's stead, the entirety of San Francisco's offense gets a downgrade for the time being.

Friday, November 22, 6:22 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud should mostly be kept to Superflex duty as his team takes on the solid Tennessee Titans defense in Week 12. The Ohio State product has had an up-and-down second season, ranking a disappointing 17th among fantasy quarterbacks after his breakout rookie campaign. Part of the struggle has been pass protection, as Houston has allowed the third-most sacks in the league. Tennessee, despite its 2-8 record, has allowed the fewest air yards in the league and has been a competent defense. Stroud has his top playmaker back in receiver Nico Collins, but with this matchup, managers in 1QB formats should be weighing their other possible options.