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Should I drop CJ Stroud for fantasy football Week 2? Is C.J. Stroud a safe player to cut? Read the fantasy football waivers outlook.
You might be questioning your draft-day selections after Week 1, especially if you took C.J. Stroud as your quarterback. Stroud entered 2025 with expectations of being that reliable weekly starter fantasy managers could count on, but the season opener didn't inspire confidence.
C.J. Stroud called the Rams loss a “wake up call.”
When asked why — the Texans QB was candid: “We could’ve practiced better.”
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— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) September 8, 2025
Stroud and the Texans' offense as a whole looked flat in their 14-9 loss to the Rams on Sunday. His stat line wasn't pretty, and the team failed to finish drives or score touchdowns. Managers are now wondering if they should move on from the playcaller.
Week 1 is often filled with overreactions, but it was easy to see Stroud's struggles on display. The offensive line had issues, and Houston's weapons were inconsistent. Sometimes we have to make tough calls in the name of winning. For those looking at more production from the QB position, it could be time to make a difficult decision.
Should I Drop C.J. Stroud in Fantasy Football?
The 23-year-old QB had a disappointing Week 1 performance. He completed 19-of-27 passes for 188 yards and zero touchdowns. Add in the one interception, and he ended the day with just 9.7 fantasy points (QB26 on the week).
Additionally, he added 32 yards on the ground, but that wasn't enough to break 10 points. Just for reference, players like Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson, and even Spencer Rattler outscored him.
#Rams Tyler Davis sacks C.J. Stroud. Third sack #Texans have allowed this game
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 7, 2025
The box score looked bad, but it doesn't tell the whole story. Stroud was constantly pressured and took three sacks, continuing a trend from 2024 where he was sacked 52 times.
The Texans' offense had no shot at scoring touchdowns, with zero snaps in the red zone. Penalties and offensive injuries added to new coordinator Nick Caley's poor debut. Stroud's main target, Nico Collins, ended the day with just three catches for 25 yards. Disappointing all around.
Last season, Stroud was QB18, posting an average of 13.7 fantasy points per game. He only topped 20 points once in 2024. If you're playing in a 1QB league, there's little reason to hold Stroud. His upside is capped in an offense that looks off. It's safe to move on from the QB if better options are available on waivers.
Who Should I Pickup for Fantasy Football?
If you're ready to cut ties with Stroud, there should be intriguing alternatives on waivers. One of the best options is Daniel Jones, rostered in just 10% of Sleeper leagues.
Danny dimes. pic.twitter.com/MyPDovxpTi
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 7, 2025
Jones was spot on in Week 1, connecting on 22-of-29 passes for 272 yards and a score while also rushing for 26 yards and two more touchdowns. His dual-threat ability is appealing for fantasy rosters. The Colts face Denver in Week 2, and although it's a tougher matchup than Miami, Jones should still see plenty of production.
Aaron Rodgers is another choice, rostered in just 19% of Sleeper leagues. At 42 years old, many wrote him off (I even said he doesn't have much left in his tank). He silenced the critics on Sunday, with a four-touchdown showing in a 34-32 victory over his former Jets.
WIDE OPEN @CalvinAustinIII 🙌
📺: #PITvsNYJ on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/6CU8YNCJZ5
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 7, 2025
Rodgers got the ball to multiple targets and didn't turn over the ball, completing 73.3% of his passes for 244 yards in the process. He'll face the Seahawks in Week 2, where he looks to continue his resurgence. Although consistency could be an issue with him as the season progresses, he's still more trustworthy than Stroud at the moment.
Another quarterback worth rostering is Michael Penix Jr., 35% rostered in Sleeper leagues. He seemed poised in his season debut, throwing for 298 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, he ran for 21 yards and a score. Although he fumbled once, his willingness to push the ball down the field makes him a useful alternative at QB.
MP9 LAYS OUT FOR SIX
FOX | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/LoT5F4TSIv
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 7, 2025
Shoulder injuries have hindered his top receivers (Drake London, Darnell Mooney), but the team is stacked with weapons. Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts Sr. can benefit from additional targets if those receivers miss any more time. Penix ranked fourth in passing yards in Week 1, and you can expect him to get the ball to his playmakers in his Week 2 matchup with Minnesota.
Who Should I Pickup Tool
Trying to decide who to pick up off the waiver wire? Check the Who Should I Pickup tool here:
Compare up to four players and we'll tell you who to pickup...
Who Should I Pickup? Some common 2025 fantasy football waiver wire decisions are regarding players like Geno Smith, Aaron Rodgers, Bryce Young, Matthew Stafford, Trevor Lawrence. But not to worry, we are here to help make these waiver wire decisions and build winning teams in 2025. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups in 2025. Our free Who Should I Pickup? tool will help make your fantasy football waiver wire decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to pick up... all free! Make the right decisions.
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Popular Player Comparison Searches - Who To Pickup
Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Pickup tool for 2025 for players like Geno Smith, Aaron Rodgers, Bryce Young, Matthew Stafford, Trevor Lawrence:
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