C.J. Stroud

Over the last two years, CJ Stroud has been unable to match the splendor of his 2023 rookie season. Shoddy offensive line play was undoubtedly part of the problem in 2024. The Texans' O-line outperformed expectations in 2025, but Stroud was a league-average starter at best. As a rookie, Stroud threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns, with only five interceptions. He averaged 273.2 passing yards per game and 8.2 yards per pass attempt. In 31 starts over the last two seasons, Stroud has averaged 218.3 passing yards per game and 7.1 yards per attempt. His yearly finishes in fantasy points per game among QBs with at least nine starts: QB7, QB26, QB20. The Texans have worked on upgrading Stroud's offensive line, and Houston has a solid set of pass catchers led by WR Nico Collins. But with Houston having one of the NFL's top defenses, Stroud probably won't be presented with a lot of pass-happy game scripts. Consider Stroud a low-end QB in 2026 fantasy drafts.

The Texans exercised the fifth-year option for QB C.J. Stroud.

Fantasy Impact

Stroud will get $25.904 million as part of his fifth-year option and is now extension-eligible. He'll have a big prove-it year coming up after struggling the past two seasons.