Who Should I Start? Russell Wilson or C.J. Stroud

Saturday, August 9, 4:52 PM

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson made his debut with the club in a 34-25 preseason win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Wilson played the opening series and completed 6 of 7 passes for 28 yards, but a couple of penalties stalled the Giants' momentum during an impressive drive and forced them to settle for a field goal. The 36-year-old Wilson didn't have either of his top two wide receivers, Malik Nabers or Darius Slayton, who sat out with minor injuries. They'll be around in Week 1 when the Wilson-led Giants take on the division-rival Washington Commanders. In the meantime, it's unclear how much more playing time (if any) Wilson will receive in the Giants' final two preseason games. He's their unquestioned starter heading into the regular season, but he doesn't carry much fantasy appeal after producing unspectacular numbers in Pittsburgh last year.

Wednesday, July 16, 2:47 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a sophomore slump following his fantastic rookie season in 2023 out of Ohio State. After throwing for more than 4,100 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 15 games in Year 1, he regressed to just over 3,700 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 picks in Year 2. Entering 2025 in what could set him up for a lucrative contract extension, Stroud has trained hard to improve his physical fitness. "I've been working really hard on getting my body right -- losing body fat, trying to be faster, stronger," Stroud said. "And it went really well. ... [Working] pocket mobility, running out the pocket, throwing the rock. Everything kind of works hand in hand." Last season, Houston's offensive line struggled mightily, and Stroud was sacked 63 times, good for the second-most in the NFL behind only Caleb Williams (68). The offensive line could remain an issue after the team traded away franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil, but sacks are often largely a quarterback stat, too. If Stroud can become more dynamic operating inside and outside of the pocket, it could create more downfield opportunities for pass-catchers Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, and Jayden Higgins, among others.