Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Woody Marks

Tuesday, January 20, 12:30 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud threw four interceptions in the first half of the Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots, becoming just the second QB since 1991 to throw four picks in a playoff half. The No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL draft has rapidly regressed since his impressive rookie season. The Texans are expected to pick up his fifth-year option, but so far, the Texans are non-committal on a long-term contract extension for Stroud. Under first-year offensive coordinator Nick Caley in 2025, Stroud completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns with eight interceptions. Despite having three playoff wins in his three seasons, Stroud has just five TDs with six interceptions and seven fumbles (two lost) in the postseason. Stroud said he was still "getting adjusted" to the new offense this year. Perhaps he'll be better in 2026 if Caley sticks around as the OC, but for fantasy purposes, Stroud has become a QB2 instead of a legitimate QB1 option.

Sunday, January 18, 4:32 PM

Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks (shoulder) has returned to Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the New England Patriots. Marks had exited during the second quarter and was initially listed as questionable, but he returned to the game just a few minutes later. The Texans trailed by two possessions late in the second quarter, so they'll benefit from getting their No. 1 ball-carrier back as they look to mount a comeback. At the time of his departure, though, Marks had just seven rushing yards on eight carries, plus a six-yard reception. He and the Texans' offensive line will need to play better for the rushing attack to find more success in the final 30-plus minutes of game action.