Who Should I Start? Lamar Jackson or C.J. Stroud

Saturday, February 14, 6:42 AM

After back-to-back first-team All-Pro seasons in 2023 and 2024, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered through an injury-marred down year in 2025. Across 13 games played, the 29-year-old completed 63.6% of his pass attempts for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Jackson also posted his least productive NFL season as a rusher, recording 349 yards and two scores on 67 rush attempts. In fairness, the two-time MVP dealt with both hamstring and back injuries, both of which may have impacted his performance even when he was able to take the field. Jackson will be working with an entirely new coaching staff in Baltimore in 2026. Former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is the Ravens' new head coach, and former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle will assume the same role with Baltimore. While the coaching changes could spark some new developments in the offensive infrastructure around Jackson, a potential return to full health is likely the most important offseason development for fantasy managers to monitor. Jackson remains an elite fantasy quarterback option, but his profile carries a bit more risk after his injury issues in 2025.

Friday, February 13, 8:42 AM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud took another step backward in 2025, completing 64.5% of his passes for 3,014 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions across 14 regular-season games. He was also tripped up in the playoffs. Houston took down Pittsburgh in the Wild Card round, but then, Stroud threw four interceptions on a 42.6% completion rate in the Texans' elimination against the Patriots. Stroud was the overall QB11 despite missing two games as a rookie in 2023, but he fell to QB18 in 2024 and QB21 in 2025. The former No. 2 pick is still expected to have his fifth-year option picked up, but he needs to re-find his rookie form and prove that he's worthy of being the Texans' franchise quarterback long-term. He certainly has the weapons needed to produce; Nico Collins is a budding superstar, Dalton Schultz took major strides last season, Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins had big rookie seasons, and Tank Dell (knee) is presumably nearing a return. Stroud is worth holding in dynasty leagues right now, but he's a bit too risky to "buy low."