Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young

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.

Saturday, August 9, 2:26 PM

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was efficient in his first preseason game of the 2025 season, completing four of six passes for 58 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 30-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Young went three-and-out on his first drive but put together an incredible second drive. He strung together a nine-play, 74-yard scoring drive that included two big plays to rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and a five-yard touchdown pass to second-year receiver Jalen Coker. The former No. 1 overall pick showcased his scrambling ability, which he demonstrated in college and near the end of last season. With another year in head coach Dale Canales' system and a new WR1 in McMillan, Young could be a late-round quarterback to consider in fantasy drafts.