Fant. Pts. | Rush. Yds. | Rush TD | Rec. | Rec. Yds. | Rec TD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
19.0 | 10.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
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.
Fant. Pts. | Rush. Yds. | Rush TD | Rec. | Rec. Yds. | Rec TD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
22.2 | -0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Sunday, August 10, 9:31 AM
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy finished 4-for-7 passing for 30 yards and added an 8-yard run for a first down Saturday in a 20-10 win against Houston. The second-year quarterback led the Vikings to a field goal on the opening drive before giving way to backup Sam Howell. McCarthy is now the clear top option in Minnesota, but he's effectively a rookie in terms of playing time after missing the entire 2024 regular season with a meniscus injury. From a fantasy perspective, McCarthy figures to be a high-upside QB2 flier alongside proven skill players and revamped offensive line in Minnesota.
Still trying to decide between Stroud and McCarthy? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that C.J. Stroud is projected to score 19.0 points this week while J.J. McCarthy is projected to score 22.2 points.