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

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.

Tuesday, July 22, 1:08 PM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) has avoided the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin training camp, although the Colts will monitor his throws as he competes with Daniel Jones for the starting gig this summer. General manager Chris Ballard said that Richardson will take part in the first practice of camp on Wednesday. "Where he is in his career and in his deal as a rookie, we still have time," owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon says. "He still has time to prove it." Indy isn't giving up hope that the former top-five pick can turn things around, but so far in his first two NFL seasons, he's been injured and inaccurate. The 23-year-old has elite rushing upside, but that won't matter at all in fantasy if he can't stay on the field and improve as a passer. It's a make-or-break year in 2025 for Richardson.