Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Anthony Richardson

Monday, April 21, 7:07 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said he'll be "taking full ownership, running the show" in new offensive coordinator Nick Calley's system and appreciates how Calley is already putting trust in him. Stroud didn't look at all like a rookie in 2023 under previous offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, but he came back down to Earth a bit in 2024 in his sophomore campaign and finished as the QB17 in fantasy while throwing for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 17 regular-season games. Protection was the biggest issue, as the former second overall pick took a whopping 52 sacks in 2024 after being sacked 38 times in 15 regular-season games as a rookie. Stroud could be more effective again with more control of the offense, particularly before the snap, leaving him as a fine midrange QB1 bounce-back target in fantasy.

Wednesday, April 23, 1:16 PM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is locked in a position battle with Daniel Jones for the starting QB job this offseason, said he worked extensively on "footwork" and "being able to just stay calm in the pocket." The former fourth overall pick in 2023 was benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco in 2024 and has missed considerable time due to injuries in his first two years in the league. The 22-year-old signal-caller has elite rushing ability, but he has posted just a 50.6% career completion rate, which is why the Colts brought in Jones this offseason to push the physically-gifted athlete. The Colts have said they've received encouraging reports on Richardson's progress this offseason, but the proof will be in the pudding of whether he can beat out Jones and stay healthy. In a best-case scenario, Richardson will win the starting gig and be an upside QB2 target in fantasy due to his rushing ability.