Should I Start C.J. Stroud?

Saturday, June 13, 1:00 PM

Since bursting onto the fantasy scene as a rookie in 2023, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has struggled to live up to the hype. Across 14 games in 2025, the 24-year-old completed 64.5% of his pass attempts for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Stroud's fantasy upside is capped by his lack of rushing ability, as he's averaged 200 rushing yards per season in his NFL career and has four career rushing touchdowns. However, there may be reason to believe that 2026 can be his most efficient year as a passer since his rookie season. Houston made some key additions to its offensive line in the offseason, signing tackle Braden Smith and left guard Wyatt Teller in free agency and then using a first-round pick in the 2026 Draft on center Keylan Rutledge. The Texans should also get healthier seasons out of wide receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell (knee) and have a pair of exciting young wideouts in Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Stroud may never emerge as a fantasy superstar, but he still offers dynasty managers some upside while providing a solid QB2 floor.