Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Jayden Daniels

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.

Tuesday, June 3, 12:30 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels immediately established himself as one of the NFL's top QBs in his first season in the league in 2024, but the Commanders expect him to be even better in his sophomore season. "Just watching him move around, he's not thinking as much, he's playing fast and letting his natural gifts kind of take over, and that's what we want to see. I expect him to take a big jump," offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. The second overall pick was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year after throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns and rushing for another 891 yards and six touchdowns while leading the team to a 12-5 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship game. Washington bolstered their offensive line in front of Daniels this offseason and added receiver Deebo Samuel Jr. Daniels will be a top-five fantasy QB in upcoming drafts.