Who Should I Start? Kenny Pickett or C.J. Stroud

Thursday, July 11, 4:03 PM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett joined the organization after spending just two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The University of Pittsburgh product posted 4,474 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 25 games for the Steelers after being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Needless to say, the Steelers gave up on him quickly and dealt him for mid-round pick swaps. Now in Philadelphia, the 26-year-old is embracing the change of scenery. "Change is a great thing," Pickett said. "I'm going through it right now. I was in Pittsburgh for seven years, and now I'm over in Philadelphia. I think a lot of people probably have some negative views on change, but that's really just your outlook on it. I think if you keep a positive mindset, it'll all work out for the better." While taking a step back could be a good thing for Pickett's career, he's unlikely to see any playing time anytime soon barring an injury to Jalen Hurts. That said, he could be an intriguing bench stash in two-QB and superflex leagues due to the offensive weaponry and offensive line the Eagles possess.

Thursday, July 18, 2:03 PM

Houston Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023, said he thinks there are "a ton of things" he can do better in his second year in the NFL, starting with "owning the offense more" than he did a year ago. Stroud also hopes to improve his footwork in Year 2 and focused on his desire for the team to put more "on my plate" in terms of directing the offense. "I want to definitely attack down the field more this year and press guys back, but also take what the defense gives me," Stroud said. "If it's a boring play, stick with the boring stuff and just be efficient with that. Those are all things I can get better at." Fantasy managers shouldn't consider the 22-year-old to be a high-end QB1 just yet, but he's no doubt going to be a popular midrange QB1 target after the phenomenal rookie season he had.