Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Omarion Hampton

Sunday, September 14, 6:08 AM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is hoping for a bounce-back season after a down year in 2024, but the new season didn't start well in the Texans' 14-9 loss to the Rams in Week 1. Stroud was limited to just 188 passing yards while completing 19-of-27 passes. He was under pressure from the Rams' strong pass rush most of the day and wasn't able to create enough big plays down the field. His interception came on a pass that was snatched out of the hands of his receiver, so it wasn't really on him. However, he didn't make enough big plays or lead any touchdown drives. Even with new offensive coordinator Nick Caley in command, the issues from last season were evident once again in Week 1. Stroud and the Texans will look to get on track against the Buccaneers in the first game of Monday Night Football's doubleheader, but with how rough the Texans' offense looked, it's hard to support Stroud as a QB1. In the RotoBaller rankings, he's QB17, making him a decent QB2 but a long shot to start in standard, single-QB leagues.

Tuesday, September 16, 1:57 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton struggled in Monday's 20-9 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. The rookie finished with eight carries for 24 yards and one catch for one yard. He ran hard, but the Raiders bottled up the run all night. Najee Harris began to see more snaps when the Chargers were trying to ice the game, especially after a botched handoff between Hampton and quarterback Justin Herbert. Week 3 brings a Denver Broncos defense that's stingy in coverage but vulnerable up front. They allowed 165 rushing yards to Jonathan Taylor last week. The Chargers could lean on the run, giving Hampton another chance. But if he doesn't step up, Harris may eat into his workload moving forward.