Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Jalen Coker

Friday, October 31, 8:54 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has shown positive signs in several of his last few games, with multiple touchdowns in three of his last four games. However, this week, he and the Texans have a tough matchup against the Broncos, who have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Stroud will get some help, though, with both Nico Collins (concussion) and Christian Kirk (hamstring) set to return to the lineup. This could be a statement game for the Texans, who are looking to climb back into the playoff race after their 0-3 start. Stroud led them to a 26-15 win last week against the 49ers, throwing for a season-high 318 passing yards despite being without Collins and Kirk. While he has a high ceiling, the matchup makes him high-risk, which is why he's only the QB22 in RotoBaller's Week 9 rankings.

Saturday, November 1, 12:45 AM

Jalen Coker has steadily increased his involvement in the Carolina Panthers' passing game since returning from a quad injury in Week 7. In his first game back against the New York Jets, Coker was targeted twice but did not have any catches. In Week 8 Coker displayed doubled his targets (four) and caught three of them for 37 yards. Notably, Coker was a more efficient receiver than Xavier Legette last week, as Coker registered 6.6 PPR fantasy points compared to Legette's 3.7. Those numbers are not impressive, of course, but point to Coker possibly progressing in production soon. Bryce Young is returning after missing last week's game due to an ankle injury, which will help get Carolina's passing game back on track. Fantasy players should continue stashing Coker this week and monitor his performance in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. If his usage continues to rise against the Packers, he could soon lock up the No. 2 WR job in Carolina. Coker was widely touted as a preseason sleeper, and try to still be patient with him if you can.