Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Caleb Williams

Tuesday, January 20, 12:30 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud threw four interceptions in the first half of the Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots, becoming just the second QB since 1991 to throw four picks in a playoff half. The No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL draft has rapidly regressed since his impressive rookie season. The Texans are expected to pick up his fifth-year option, but so far, the Texans are non-committal on a long-term contract extension for Stroud. Under first-year offensive coordinator Nick Caley in 2025, Stroud completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns with eight interceptions. Despite having three playoff wins in his three seasons, Stroud has just five TDs with six interceptions and seven fumbles (two lost) in the postseason. Stroud said he was still "getting adjusted" to the new offense this year. Perhaps he'll be better in 2026 if Caley sticks around as the OC, but for fantasy purposes, Stroud has become a QB2 instead of a legitimate QB1 option.

Monday, January 19, 10:39 AM

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams nearly led his team to another improbable comeback win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round, completing 23 of 42 pass attempts for 257 yards and two touchdowns. However, the 24-year-old also threw three interceptions, including a back-breaking pick in overtime that set the Rams up for a game-winning field goal. Williams took Bears fans and fantasy managers on a rollercoaster ride across his first two postseason games, completing 52.2% of his pass attempts for 618 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also provided production with his legs, rushing for 60 yards on eight attempts. Williams' turnover struggles in the playoffs were a bit of a surprise, as he threw just seven interceptions across 17 regular-season games. Overall, the young quarterback still has plenty to work on, but he showed signs of significant growth from year one to year two and should be a sought-after fantasy quarterback in 2026.