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


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
25.3 37.5 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

Lamar Jackson News

Lamar Jackson Adjusting Quickly to Working Under Center

Saturday, August 1, 6:35 AM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson took over 80% of his snaps from shotgun or pistol in 2025, but you might not know it from the way he's operated offensive coordinator Declan Doyle's new-look system through the early days of training camp. Jackson's first three pass attempts of camp all came from under center, with all three resulting in completions, and he has reportedly audibled to move under center on more than one occasion. In speaking with reporters, Doyle pointed out Jackson's quick learning curve and what he hopes to accomplish by putting the two-time MVP under center more frequently. " He's very natural at it... There's a lot of versatility in his game. You want to mix all those things and make the defense have to deal with him." He went on to discuss the benefits of the play-action element, saying, "Being able to turn your back to the defense and simulate the run for a longer period of time allows things down the field." Since his hire in January, Doyle's messaging has been clear about creating more explosive plays, and with Jackson taking quickly to the new approach, he could easily see one of the highest fantasy ceilings at the position, and the four-time Pro Bowler is RotoBaller's QB2.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
21.2 14.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

C.J. Stroud News

C.J. Stroud, Texans Not Close to a Contract Extension

Wednesday, July 29, 4:31 PM

The Houston Texans' belief in quarterback C.J. Stroud as their franchise signal-caller remains strong, but the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the two sides are not close on a contract extension. Stroud had his fifth-year option picked up by Houston in April, and he has two years remaining on his rookie contract. Both sides seem comfortable kicking the can down the road as far as a contract extension, and Rapoport adds that the fact that extension talks are even happening backs up the Texans' position that Stroud is their unquestioned long-term plan at QB. The Texans probably are in no rush to lock up the 24-year-old former second overall pick in 2023 from Ohio State after he regressed in 2025 in his third year in the league, especially in the team's playoff loss to the New England Patriots. All reports are that Stroud is locked in and has made great strides towards a bounce-back in his fourth NFL season, but ultimately, his success in 2026 could come down to whether the offensive line can protect him. Stroud threw for 4,000-plus yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five picks in 15 regular-season starts as a rookie, so he has it in him. In two-QB superflex leagues, his lowered cost is enticing if you're betting on a bounce-back. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 23 fantasy QB, right behind Sam Darnold.


Lamar Jackson vs. C.J. Stroud

Still trying to decide between Jackson and Stroud? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Lamar Jackson is projected to score 25.3 points this week while C.J. Stroud is projected to score 21.2 points.