Who Should I Start? Mac Jones or C.J. Stroud

BENCH

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
2.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Mac Jones News

Mac Jones Throwing Passes, Should be Ready for Training Camp

Thursday, June 25, 10:29 AM

San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones (shoulder), who was sidelined with a sore right shoulder during the team's spring program, threw passes during Tuesday's session at Tight End University, which is run by 49ers tight end George Kittle, according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Jones kept the Niners' offense afloat last year with Brock Purdy missing extended time due to a foot injury. The 27-year-old former 15th overall pick by the New England Patriots in 2021 out of the University of Alabama completed a career-high 69.6% of his pass attempts for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 11 games played (eight starts) in his first year in the Bay Area. All signs point to Jones being a full-go for the start of training camp at the end of July. After a strong 2025 season, teams had interest in trading for Jones, but the Niners put an exorbitant price tag on his head and appear ready to run it back with him as QB insurance for the injury-prone Purdy. Obviously, Jones won't have much fantasy appeal in 2026 unless Purdy misses more time due to injuries.

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
20.8 13.4 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

C.J. Stroud News

Pieces in Place for C.J. Stroud to See a Modest Fantasy Rebound

Sunday, July 19, 5:25 AM

Since throwing for more than 4,100 yards and 23 touchdowns as a rookie in 2023, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has seen those numbers drop in each subsequent season, passing for only 3,041 yards and 19 scores in 2025. When the Texans kick off training camp on July 29, it will be the next opportunity for Stroud to put the ugly finish of last year behind him, having thrown four interceptions while completing less than 43% of his passes in a season-ending playoff loss to the Patriots. While he is no longer a player to target in 2026 drafts, a more cohesive offensive line and continued growth from a young group of wide receivers could allow Stroud to re-enter the streaming conversation and provide a steady and predictable fantasy floor. 2025 draft picks Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are expected to take more agency in the Texans' offense after each appearing in all 17 games as rookies, while the potential return of Tank Dell after a devastating 2024 leg injury would reunite Stroud with one of his favorite targets. At RotoBaller's QB23, Stroud is likely to begin the year on waivers in most single-quarterback redraft leagues, but an early-season schedule that includes games against the Bengals, Cowboys, and Titans could see him making an immediate, unexpected impact.

Mac Jones vs. C.J. Stroud

Still trying to decide between Jones and Stroud? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Mac Jones is projected to score 2.0 points this week while C.J. Stroud is projected to score 20.8 points.