Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Ashton Jeanty

Monday, August 18, 8:49 AM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud played just two series on Saturday against Carolina, but he looked sharp, completing 6-of-8 pass attempts for 44 passing yards and a touchdown to Nico Collins. He wasn't satisfied with his preseason debut, though, expressing frustration that he missed Collins on a deep ball on the team's first possession, which ended in a punt. Stroud only played two series, but did enough to put his Texans ahead in a game they went on to win 20-3. After winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, Stroud struggled a little bit last season, throwing for 3,727 yards and 20 touchdowns but also throwing 12 interceptions. With new offensive coordinator Nick Caley taking over from Bobby Slowik, Stroud will look to bounce back and be a fantasy factor again this season. He's a QB2 with upside coming into the season, but he has the potential to be a borderline QB1 if he can return to his 2023 form with better protection than he had last year.

Sunday, August 17, 2:56 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty showcased his blend of power and speed in the team's second preseason contest. The rookie logged seven carries for 33 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a 13-yard burst where he lowered his shoulder and flattened cornerback Deommodore Lenoir. Jeanty's strong playstyle and decisive running fit well into Pete Carroll's offensive scheme, which favors physical backs who can finish runs. Currently being selected late in the first round of redraft leagues, Jeanty's expanding workload in preseason action suggests he has a clear path to providing immediate fantasy value in 2025.