Who Should I Start? Daniel Jones or C.J. Stroud

Monday, June 23, 3:07 PM

The Athletic's James Boyd writes that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is the QB1 for now heading into training camp after Anthony Richardson (shoulder) aggravated his surgically-repaired right shoulder in OTAs and then missed minicamp. Jones has already taken a significant lead in what was supposed to be a wide-open QB competition. There is no timetable for Richardson's return to on-field activities, but he says that he'll be ready for the start of training camp at the end of July. Not only is Richardson going to need to stay healthy all summer, but he's probably going to need to outplay Jones in order to win the starting gig going into Week 1 in September. Nothing is finalized yet, but Jones' fantasy stock as a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues is rising with Richardson continuing to be set back by injuries.

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.