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

Friday, May 30, 10:54 PM

While the Cleveland Browns haven't made any announcements on their quarterback competition, The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that 18-year veteran Joe Flacco should be well ahead of rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, and he's also probably ahead of Kenny Pickett. Flacco throws the ball better than the others in a practice setting, and his overall experience makes him the clear favorite to win the job. It's possible that Pickett will outplay Flacco in the coming months, though. Flacco and Pickett alternated turns with the No. 1 offense in practice at OTAs on Wednesday, with Gabriel out-repping Sanders in the second OTA practice. Jackson thinks it's almost a certainty that the QB battle is between Flacco and Pickett. Although Flacco had a nice little run with Cleveland at the end of 2023, he'll be a low-end QB2 option in two-QB fantasy leagues if he wins the starting gig over Pickett this year.

Tuesday, June 10, 12:10 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (shoulder) was throwing during mandatory minicamp on Tuesday as he continues to get over muscle tightness in his shoulder that he dealt with during voluntary organized team activities recently, according to KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson. It's not a surprise that Stroud is out there this week after head coach DeMeco Ryans said during OTAs that he wasn't really concerned with the QB's shoulder. The 23-year-old former first-rounder was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 but took a step back in 2024, throwing for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while taking 52 sacks in 17 regular-season starts. A porous offensive line and knee injuries to Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell didn't help his cause as he finished as the QB18 in fantasy. Houston's offense line is going to have to be much better for Stroud to rebound in 2025.