Who Should I Start? Travis Etienne Jr. or C.J. Stroud

Saturday, December 20, 11:41 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. should be in many starting lineups despite a tough Week 16 matchup with the Denver Broncos. He mustered three receiving touchdowns in a huge passing day for the Jaguars' offense last week. That receiving work gives Etienne Jr. a high floor. With backup running back Bhayshul Tuten (finger) out with a finger injury, Etienne Jr.'s upside increases. That floor and upside combination makes Etienne Jr. a great starting option this week, even though the Broncos are second-best in the NFL in rushing yards allowed. While he should be slightly downgraded, managers should feel comfortable starting Etienne Jr. in their Week 16 playoff matchups.

Friday, December 26, 8:20 AM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is in a tough matchup on Saturday afternoon against the Chargers, but he has shown enough momentum to still be a strong option in two-QB formats or in deep leagues this week. Stroud only threw for 187 yards and a touchdown last week in a narrow win over the Raiders, but he looked much better with 260 yards and three touchdowns the previous week against the Cardinals. Stroud has led his team to four straight wins since returning from a concussion, and the Texans have won seven straight overall to put themselves in a prime position to make the playoffs. While defense and a conservative offensive strategy have been the main reasons for their success, Stroud has shown enough play-making upside to still be the No. 17 QB in RotoBaller's rankings this week, making him a solid QB2.