Should I Drop C.J. Stroud? Fantasy Football Outlook For Week 12

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had massive expectations this year after an impressive rookie season. Unfortunately, he hasn’t lived up to them.

The second-year quarterback hasn’t had his full set of weapons for most of the year. Stroud is the QB17 for the season, averaging 13.7 fantasy points per game.

Furthermore, the former Ohio State star has severely struggled lately. Is it time for fantasy players to drop Stroud or hope for better days in the future?

• 2025 fantasy football rankings (redraft)
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings
• 2025 NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
• Best ball fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings

Should I Drop C.J. Stroud?

The second-year quarterback has averaged 10 fantasy points per game over the past five weeks, totaling 12.4 or fewer in every contest. Stroud has only two passing touchdowns during those five games, with one coming in the past three weeks. Furthermore, he has three interceptions over the past two games after totaling five last year.

Malik Hooker picks off Stroud on 4th down!

📺: #HOUvsDAL on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/obnLz5ZDXQ

— NFL (@NFL) November 19, 2024

Unfortunately, Stroud has severely regressed after an excellent rookie season. He has more games this year with one or fewer passing touchdowns (eight) as contests with two or more (three). Furthermore, the second-year star has three games without a passing touchdown over the past five weeks.

Fantasy players can drop Stroud in single-quarterback leagues, especially if they are in must-win mode with the playoffs on the line in Week 12.

Who Can I Add Off The Waiver Wire?

My favorite quarterback to add off the waiver wire this week is Drake Maye. The rookie is rostered in only 14% of Yahoo leagues. Yet, he has been one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL over the past several weeks, playing better than several big-name stars.

Drake Maye 👀 pic.twitter.com/Zw1kpuof2t

— Football Insights 📊 (@fball_insights) November 19, 2024

Last week, the former North Carolina star completed 75% of his pass attempts for 282 yards, two touchdowns, and 18 fantasy points in the loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Maye has scored at least 15.7 fantasy points in his five healthy starts this season, including 18 or more in 60% of those games.

More Fantasy Football Analysis