Should I Drop C.J. Stroud? Fantasy Football Outlook For Week 9

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had high expectations after winning the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award last season. Furthermore, the Texans improved his receiving core in the offseason, making two blockbuster trades.

Unfortunately, Stroud has struggled this year. He is the QB14, averaging 14.8 fantasy points per game. The former Ohio State star has had one passing touchdown and 17.7 fantasy points over the past two weeks.

Is it time to drop Stroud, or should fantasy players give him another chance? Let’s dive into it.

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Should I Drop C.J. Stroud?

The second-year quarterback has scored more than 18.4 fantasy points in only 62.5% of the games this season, failing to reach that mark in three of the past four contests. However, his wide receiver core has been obliterated by injuries.

Houston lost Stefon Diggs to a season-ending torn ACL in Sunday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately, Stroud’s elite wide receiver core is down to Tank Dell and a bunch of role players. However, fantasy players should give the second-year quarterback more time on their roster. Better days are ahead for Stroud.

#Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud reacts to Stefon Diggs' torn ACL 'It sucks. It hurts. I'm praying for him.' @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/9J73lTWVkJ

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 29, 2024

C.J. Stroud Fantasy Football Outlook

Nico Collins suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 6 win over the New England Patriots. The Texans placed the superstar wide receiver on injured reserve, forcing him to miss at least four games. Thankfully, Collins appears on track to return in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions.

Texans WR Nico Collins (hamstring) is on track to return Week 10, per @AaronWilson_NFL pic.twitter.com/yskQmX6LdV

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) October 27, 2024

Fantasy players should avoid starting Stroud in Week 9 against the New York Jets despite their recent struggles on defense. However, the superstar quarterback gets Collins back in Week 10.

More importantly, he has several fantasy-friendly matchups in the second half this season, including games against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13, the Miami Dolphins in Week 15, and the Baltimore Ravens during the fantasy championship week.

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