Who Should I Start? Joe Burrow or C.J. Stroud

Thursday, May 22, 1:41 PM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is 100% physically this offseason. "I feel great," Burrow said. "This is the best that I've felt in the offseason. Just like every year, trying to get better, trying to get stronger, faster, healthier. Try to find ways that you can optimize your health throughout the whole season, not hurt as much. I'm in a good spot." Last year at this time, Burrow was worried about his "football mortality" and was recovering from surgery he had on his right wrist that impacted him early on. The 28-year-old posted career-highs in completion percentage (71%), passing yards (4,918) and TD:INT ratio (43:9) in 2024 despite missing out on the playoffs. Rushing prowess isn't part of Burrow's game, but the passing volume should be there to give him top-five QB upside in fantasy with excellent aerial targets.

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.