Who Should I Start? Malik Willis or C.J. Stroud

Tuesday, August 19, 12:31 PM

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that backup quarterback Malik Willis will play in the preseason finale on Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks. The Packers also plan on playing some or most of their starters, at least for a little bit. We would be surprised if starting QB Jordan Love (thumb) plays this weekend after having a minor surgery on his left (non-throwing) thumb last week. The 26-year-old Willis went 6-for-14 for 83 yards on the first three possessions of the second preseason game last weekend against the Indianapolis Colts. Love is fully expected to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September, so Willis is primed to open the season as Green Bay's backup signal-caller. The former third-rounder by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 played in seven games in his first year with the Packers in 2024 and led the team to two wins with Love sidelined by injury.

Saturday, October 18, 5:10 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud went into his Week 6 bye week with immaculate vibes after throwing for 244 yards and four touchdowns in a 44-10 rout of the Ravens. He seemed to be making strides in new offensive coordinator Nick Caley's system, and he'll look to carry over that momentum to a tough Monday Night Football matchup against the Seahawks. Stroud threw for progressively more yards and increasing touchdowns leading up to that big game, when he completed 23 of his 27 pass attempts and looked dominant. He's only the QB18 in RotoBaller's rankings this week, though, since the Seahawks will present a formidable road challenge for the Ohio State alum. He's an excellent second QB in deep leagues, and he'll be out to prove that his two big games before the bye were the start of a positive trend.