C.J.Stroud

News: 1 day agoCoach DeMeco Ryans said Thursday that the Texans' starters, including Stroud, will play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Giants, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Spin: Ryans didn't provide an amount of time for the first teamers to remain in the contest, but Stroud played two possessions in Houston's exhibition opener last Friday at Pittsburgh, so another pair of drives this weekend seems like a reasonable expectation. Stroud is the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year after completing 64 percent of his passes for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions while rushing for 167 yards and three more scores in 15 regular-season games in 2023.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: The former Buckeye looks to build on a momentous first season that included becoming just the fifth rookie quarterback to ever throw for at least 4,000 yards. Without much rushing volume or success in either his collegiate or professional profile, Stroud's fantasy production will be defined by his proficiency from the pocket. After finishing seventh in per-game fantasy output last season, another prolific passing season could unfold given the presence of a trio of talented receivers -- Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell -- each of whom brings special route trees and skill sets to the field. Securing Stroud in the middle rounds is a sound strategy for those who wait a bit at the position.