Who Should I Start? Dak Prescott or C.J. Stroud

Saturday, July 26, 11:51 AM

The Athletic's Jon Machota writes that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and new wide receiver George Pickens "still have some work to together." Although Prescott doesn't have any concerns, his timing has been off with Pickens on some routes, and most of their connections have been on short and intermediate routes early on in training camp. "For him, it's just about continuing to master the offense, the routes and the adjustments on certain routes. When he does that, the rest of it is going to come," Prescott said. It's something to keep track of as camp progresses, but right now, fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned as Prescott and Pickens work on their chemistry. CeeDee Lamb will take plenty of targets away from the 24-year-old, but if he can excel deep down the field, Pickens will have plenty of value in fantasy as a WR3/flex in his new home in Dallas.

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.