Who Should I Start? Josh Allen or C.J. Stroud

Thursday, August 7, 1:31 PM

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen won't play in the preseason opener on Saturday against the New York Giants, according to head coach Sean McDermott. Mitchell Trubisky will start for the Bills this weekend and play with the starters for around a quarter. Allen could see a little bit of action in the final two preseason games, but the Bills aren't in a rush to put the three-time Pro Bowler out there in exhibition contests. The 29-year-old is RotoBaller's top QB target in fantasy heading into the 2025 season. He threw for fewer than 4,000 yards in 2024 for the first time since 2019, but he threw 28 touchdowns and only six interceptions while adding 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing TDs in 17 regular-season games. Allen will be a prime MVP candidate and has rushed for an astounding 27 touchdowns in the last two seasons.

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.