Who Should I Start? Mike Evans or C.J. Stroud

Thursday, October 24, 10:40 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) underwent an MRI Wednesday that confirmed his "moderate" hamstring injury. According to the NFL's Ian Rapoport, Evans' diagnostic test affirmed the notion that he'd be sidelined until at least the team's Week 11 bye. It's a massive blow to Tampa Bay's offense, as they've also just lost fellow wideout Chris Godwin (ankle) for the remainder of the season after dislocating his ankle. With the Bucs down their top two pass-catchers, wide receivers Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepherd, and Trey Palmer project to line up in three wide receiver sets. Additionally, tight end Cade Otton and running back Rachaad White should continue to see an increased role in Tampa Bay's passing attack. The team will host the visiting Atlanta Falcons this coming Sunday.

Wednesday, October 30, 4:30 PM

Bad luck and bad timing make Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud tough to start in one-QB formats on Thursday against the New York Jets. Despite the Jets being dysfunctional, even for them, they rank second in the NFL in yards after catch allowed and tied for third with six passing touchdowns surrendered in eight games. New York boasts two excellent coverage corners in Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, and Houston will face them when top wide receivers Nico Collins (hamstring) and Stefon Diggs (knee) are on injured reserve. Backup wide receivers, a short week, and a bad matchup is a lot to dislike, so fantasy managers should strongly consider their other options in Week 9.