Who Should I Start? Patrick Mahomes or C.J. Stroud
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23.6 | 21.5 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Patrick Mahomes News
Wednesday, July 29, 7:56 AM
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) is doing 11-on-11 drills at the start of training camp this week, according to Matt McMullen of Chiefs.com. Mahomes is a full-go for the start of camp despite tearing his ACL and LCL late last season. The 30-year-old has made excellent strides in his rehab during the offseason, and there's no reason to believe at this point that he won't be ready for the Week 1 showdown on Monday night against the division-rival Denver Broncos, barring a setback this summer. It will be interesting to see whether the Chiefs give Mahomes the clearance to play in any preseason games, but for now, this is a pretty significant development and a positive sign for Mahomes early in camp. The two-time MVP and six-time Pro Bowler will be looking to lead his team back to the postseason in 2026 after the offense has grown a bit stagnant in recent years. With receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy both healthy, though, Mahomes could be ready for a bounce-back after throwing for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 picks in 14 starts in 2025. Mahomes is quickly becoming a more attractive low-end QB1 target in redraft leagues.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20.9 | 14.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
C.J. Stroud News
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.
Patrick Mahomes vs. C.J. Stroud
Still trying to decide between Mahomes and Stroud? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Patrick Mahomes is projected to score 23.6 points this week while C.J. Stroud is projected to score 20.9 points.
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