Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud delivered a strong performance in his second preseason game against the New York Giants, although the offense didn't score while he was on the field. Stroud led the Texans downfield on the opening drive effectively, but the team failed to convert a fourth down on the Giants' 6-yard line. Stroud showcased impressive command and appeared to be in midseason form. The Texans' strategy this year seems to focus heavily on the passing game, as they passed ten times and rushed only four times in the first quarter with starters. This approach bodes well for Stroud's fantasy prospects, indicating significant passing volume. Stroud finished the game 7-of-10 for 88 yards. If he's done for the preseason, his overall stats will be 9-of-14 for 129 yards and one touchdown. Stroud has a solid opportunity to be a top-five fantasy quarterback this year, but his lack of rushing may limit his overall ceiling.
C.J. Stroud In Midseason Form With Strong Preseason Showing
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud connected with receiver Tank Dell for a 34-yard touchdown reception midway through the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Stroud finished the night 2-for-4 with 41 yards and a touchdown. The scoring play showcased the explosive passing Texans fans grew accustomed to seeing from him during his rookie season. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. He led the Texans to an AFC South championship and secured a victory over Cleveland in the wild-card round. It will be hard for Stroud to live up to the unbelievable hype building this offseason, but he and Tank Dell already seem up to the task.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Stefon Diggs are among the team's healthy starters that will play in the second preseason contest on Friday on the road against the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers. Stroud and the rest of the starting offense were held out of last week's Hall of Fame game against the Chicago Bears, but they'll get some action in the second preseason game. The 22-year-old Stroud and the rest of the starters that play on Friday will likely only play for a couple of drives, at the most, but it will give us our first look at his connection with new wideout Diggs in a game setting. Stroud's marvelous first NFL season in 2024 has vaulted him into midrange QB1 status in fantasy circles, especially after the addition of Diggs this offseason. Diggs, meanwhile, will see his fantasy stock fall in a new environment in which he'll have more competition for targets.
C.J. Stroud Expected To Sit Thursday, Davis Mills Set To Play
The Houston Texans are expected to sit their starting units in Thursday's Hall of Fame game against the Chicago Bears in Canton, Ohio. That will certainly include second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, as the Texans are set to start backup quarterback Davis Mills. Replaced as the starter by last season's first-round pick Stroud, Mills figures to get most of the snaps under center for the Texans on Thursday. Stroud's hype train in his second season keeps on chugging, as the Texans added Stefon Diggs to an already capable receiving unit featuring Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Dalton Schultz. While the rushing part of the equation may not be there for Stroud, his prolific work as a passer vaults him into the top grouping of quarterbacks on draft day for fantasy leagues.
C.J. Stroud Back At Practice, Unlikely To Play Thursday
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (foot) practiced fully Monday after getting his foot stepped on Saturday by veteran defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi and having Sunday off. Stroud didn't miss any snaps on Saturday or Monday. Head coach DeMeco Ryans hasn't indicated specifically who will play in the Hall of Fame game on Thursday night against the Chicago Bears in Canton, but he is expected to not play several key starters and older veterans. That should include Stroud and other experienced players. The 22-year-old former No. 2 overall is garnering plenty of hype in his second season in the pros, finishing seventh among signal-callers in fantasy points per game (18.7) as a rookie last year. Stroud should be able to put up prolific passing numbers with Houston's loaded receiving corps at his disposal, but his lack of rushing ability could prevent him from jumping into the top tier.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (foot) was spotted limping during practice on Saturday after getting his foot stepped on. However, according to head coach DeMeco Ryans, it isn't a concern. The 22-year-old had a stellar first season in the league. In 15 games, he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five picks, adding 167 yards and three scores off 39 carries. Without question, expectations for Stroud are high entering the 2024-25 campaign, and he could be an even bigger fantasy asset if he becomes more accurate. There will likely be an update on Stroud's condition soon. Fortunately, it doesn't sound like it's anything fantasy managers need to be concerned about.
Houston Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023, said he thinks there are "a ton of things" he can do better in his second year in the NFL, starting with "owning the offense more" than he did a year ago. Stroud also hopes to improve his footwork in Year 2 and focused on his desire for the team to put more "on my plate" in terms of directing the offense. "I want to definitely attack down the field more this year and press guys back, but also take what the defense gives me," Stroud said. "If it's a boring play, stick with the boring stuff and just be efficient with that. Those are all things I can get better at." Fantasy managers shouldn't consider the 22-year-old to be a high-end QB1 just yet, but he's no doubt going to be a popular midrange QB1 target after the phenomenal rookie season he had.
C.J. Stroud Wins Offensive Rookie Of The Year Honors
Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was named as the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year on Thursday. The 22-year-old No. 2 overall pick absolutely took the league by storm in his first year in the NFL while also being led by first-time play-caller Bobby Slowik. The former Ohio State star looked like a seasoned veteran and was cool under pressure all year, finishing a 63.9 completion percentage for 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions in 15 regular season games while also leading the Texans to a wild-card playoff win over the Browns. With some intriguing weapons around him in the backfield and in the passing game, Stroud will firmly be in the QB1 picture in fantasy heading into his sophomore season.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud struggled on the road in the team's 34-10 Divisional Round loss against the Baltimore Ravens. Stroud was not particularly efficient on Saturday, completing 19-of-33 passes for just 175 yards. The Ravens held the rookie in check, which resulted in him throwing zero touchdowns in a game for the fourth time this season. After a successful rookie campaign, Stroud's season will officially end. However, he has emerged as a top fantasy quarterback option and should be drafted pretty early in Superflex formats next season.
C.J. Stroud Draws Tough Matchup In Divisional Round
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was spectacular in his first postseason start. But he might struggle in the Divisional Round against the Baltimore Ravens. Last week, Stroud threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns in a blowout victory over the Cleveland Browns. However, quarterbacks are only averaging 218.6 pass yards and 1.06 pass touchdowns per game against the Ravens' secondary this season. They have also allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2023. Stroud only managed 242 pass yards with zero touchdowns back in Week 1 against this Baltimore defense, making him a risky option in the Divisional Round.
