Who Should I Start? Jalen Hurts or C.J. Stroud

Saturday, August 16, 12:51 PM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is not expected to play in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the Cleveland Browns, according to Tim McManus of ESPN. Tanner McKee also isn't expected to suit up, paving the way for Dorian Thompson-Robinson to make his first start of the preseason. Kyle McCord should also see reps under center. Hurts also sat out last week's preseason opener, so his last chance to play in the preseason will come next Friday against the New York Jets. The 27-year-old didn't crack 3,000 passing yards in 2024 for the first time as a starter, but it didn't help that he sat out two games due to injury. The Eagles relied more on the ground with running back Saquon Barkley tearing it up, but Hurts still scored double-digit touchdowns on the ground for the fourth straight year. For his rushing TD prowess alone, he should be considered a top-five fantasy QB.

Monday, August 18, 8:49 AM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud played just two series on Saturday against Carolina, but he looked sharp, completing 6-of-8 pass attempts for 44 passing yards and a touchdown to Nico Collins. He wasn't satisfied with his preseason debut, though, expressing frustration that he missed Collins on a deep ball on the team's first possession, which ended in a punt. Stroud only played two series, but did enough to put his Texans ahead in a game they went on to win 20-3. After winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, Stroud struggled a little bit last season, throwing for 3,727 yards and 20 touchdowns but also throwing 12 interceptions. With new offensive coordinator Nick Caley taking over from Bobby Slowik, Stroud will look to bounce back and be a fantasy factor again this season. He's a QB2 with upside coming into the season, but he has the potential to be a borderline QB1 if he can return to his 2023 form with better protection than he had last year.