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

Saturday, December 21, 11:36 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. is a decent flex option in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He has been more heavily involved in the passing game as of late and even got more carries than fellow back Tank Bigsby in Week 15. However, that doesn't necessarily mean Etienne Jr. will dominate touches out of the backfield this week. The split between the two backs has been inconsistent all season and more in line with a hot-hand approach. Just two weeks ago, the 25-year-old back had just four carries. Given the unpredictable nature of the Jacksonville backfield, it is hard to trust either running back. Etienne Jr. is best viewed as a solid flex start who should be slightly upgraded in PPR due to his recent pass-game involvement in Week 16 against the Raiders.

Saturday, December 21, 4:10 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud delivered a decent if unspectacular performance in a 27-19 loss to Kansas City, completing 23 of 39 passes for 244 yards to go with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 23 yards on two carries. The sophomore quarterback threw touchdown passes to tight end Dalton Schultz and wide receiver Tank Dell, but the two picks were a drag on the day, and he failed to hit 300 passing yards for the 10th straight game as Houston's offense can't quite seem to take the next step. Stroud and the Texans will have a quick turnaround with a Christmas Day game against a struggling Baltimore pass defense in Week 17.