Who Should I Start? Jarrett Stidham or C.J. Stroud

Sunday, March 9, 9:09 PM

The NFL's Ian Rapoport reports that the Denver Broncos are bringing back quarterback Jarrett Stidham on a two-year $12 million contract with $7 million guaranteed. The 28-year-old spent the last two seasons with the team, appearing in seven games. However, he did not attempt a pass in 2024 and served solely as a backup to rookie sensation Bo Nix. Stidham figures to occupy that role again in 2025 -- barring Nix's health -- and reportedly would have garnered significant interest as a potential backup on the open market. However, the Broncos sought to lock up their second-string option with extensive knowledge of the team's current system. The Auburn product can be safely avoided for fantasy purposes sans a bench stash in deep superflex dynasty formats.

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.