Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or J.J. McCarthy

Tuesday, June 10, 12:10 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (shoulder) was throwing during mandatory minicamp on Tuesday as he continues to get over muscle tightness in his shoulder that he dealt with during voluntary organized team activities recently, according to KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson. It's not a surprise that Stroud is out there this week after head coach DeMeco Ryans said during OTAs that he wasn't really concerned with the QB's shoulder. The 23-year-old former first-rounder was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 but took a step back in 2024, throwing for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while taking 52 sacks in 17 regular-season starts. A porous offensive line and knee injuries to Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell didn't help his cause as he finished as the QB18 in fantasy. Houston's offense line is going to have to be much better for Stroud to rebound in 2025.

Tuesday, June 17, 12:07 PM

There are plenty of question marks surrounding Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick last year, after he missed his rookie season in 2024 with a torn right meniscus in his knee. However, ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that McCarthy's arm strength has been fine after it was a topic of discussion going into the 2024 draft. "He definitely has an arm," receiver Justin Jefferson said. "That's for sure. He can definitely zip it whenever he needs to." His arm has looked especially lively on throws down the middle of the field, and McCarthy is starting to learn to vary his throws after Jefferson noted last summer that the rookie tended to throw every ball the same way -- hard and straight. With no threats to the starting job under center, the 22-year-old is Minnesota's clear starting QB going into 2025 and has some of the best weapons in the league. He's a QB2 with upside in fantasy.