Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young

Monday, April 21, 7:07 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said he'll be "taking full ownership, running the show" in new offensive coordinator Nick Calley's system and appreciates how Calley is already putting trust in him. Stroud didn't look at all like a rookie in 2023 under previous offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, but he came back down to Earth a bit in 2024 in his sophomore campaign and finished as the QB17 in fantasy while throwing for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 17 regular-season games. Protection was the biggest issue, as the former second overall pick took a whopping 52 sacks in 2024 after being sacked 38 times in 15 regular-season games as a rookie. Stroud could be more effective again with more control of the offense, particularly before the snap, leaving him as a fine midrange QB1 bounce-back target in fantasy.

Thursday, April 10, 1:04 PM

The Carolina Panthers showed plenty of progress once quarterback Bryce Young got back on the field in his sophomore year in 2024, and he said he's ready "to continue to build and grow" in 2025. It should help that he'll have the same offensive line, same set of receivers and the same coaching staff. It's the first time the Panthers have gone into a season with the same QB, coach and general manager since 2019, and the stability will be a good thing for Young. The 23-year-old former first overall pick looked like a different signal-caller when he returned as the starter in Week 8, completing 61.8% of his pass attempts for 2,104 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also had game-tying or game-winning drives in six of the final nine games. Young will be a QB2 with upside in fantasy, but he has the ability to take the next step in Year 3.