Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Bo Nix

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.

Wednesday, July 23, 3:25 PM

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix spent time learning from future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees this offseason, according to head coach Sean Payton. Brees spent 15 seasons with Payton during their time with the New Orleans Saints, leading the NFL in passing seven times, collecting five All-Pro honors, and winning Super Bowl XLIV. Needless to say, Brees could be a valuable mentor for Nix, who is heading into his second NFL season after a fantastic first year in Denver by way of the University of Oregon. Nix started in all 17 of the Broncos' games last year, passing for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He led the organization to its first playoff appearance since Peyton Manning led the team to a Super Bowl 50 victory. Nix has plenty of fantasy football upside thanks to his rushing skill set, and becoming a more polished passer could put him on track to be a consistent fantasy football QB1.