C.J. Stroud remains a QB1, but challenges lie ahead

Texans QB C.J. Stround threw for 304 yards and 2 TDs in Sunday's loss to the Jaguars. He added 47 yards and a TD on the ground. Stroud ranked fourth among fantasy QBs heading into the Sunday night game. If he can finish among the top 6 fantasy QBs for the week, it would mark the third such finish for the rookie among the past four weeks. Stroud looks like a QB1 for the Week 13 matchup with Denver. He'll also be a good option for matchups with Tennessee in weeks 15 and 17. But you'll want to find another option for Week 14 (Stroud faces the Jets) and Week 16 (Browns).

Bobby Slowik is getting a "significant raise" to remain the Texans' OC, according to insider Albert Breer. Slowik drew significant HC interest after leading Houston to top-13 finishes in both total yards and points this past year. His return is good news for QB C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense, although we'd like to see Slowik lean further toward the pass in 2024. Last year's Texans ranked 16th in neutral pass rate and 19th in Pass Rate Over Expected.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud returned from a two-game concussion with a decent outing in Sunday's win over the Titans. He threw for 213 yards on 24-of-32 passing, with 1 TD, 0 INTs, and 1 sack taken. Stroud's 75% completion rate marked a season high, but his 6.7 yards per pass attempt marked one of his lowest averages all season. The numbers indicate Stroud didn't show any rust in the aftermath of the concussion. The shorter range of his passing for a second straight game, though -- 4.0 YPA vs. the Jets in the game he left early -- is worth noting. That was Houston's first full game without WR Tank Dell, who leads the team in average target depth for the season -- by more than 2 yards over No. 2 Noah Brown (according to Pro Football Reference). The recent trend for Stroud isn't enough to make him worrisome as a fantasy option if your league plays into Week 18. Stroud gets a fine matchup with Indy. But he probably doesn't present as much upside as he did before Dell went down.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) practiced all week, including full workouts on Thursday and Friday, and is off the final injury report. He’ll be back under center for this weekend’s game vs. the Titans – a big boost for Houston’s offense. See where all the Texans sit in the Week 17 Rankings.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud has cleared concussion protocol and will play vs. the Titans on Sunday, barring a setback between now and then, insider Aaron Wilson reports. With Stroud out the past two weeks, Houston has totaled just 41 points and 370 passing yards. The rookie's return is a big boost for the entire offense, particularly WR Nico Collins, WR Noah Brown, and TE Dalton Schultz. See where all the Texans sit in the Week 17 Rankings.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) put in a limited practice on Wednesday. HC Demeco Ryans said that Stroud is in stage four of the five-stage protocol. “It was encouraging to see him," Ryans said. "I think it just lifts everybody’s spirits to see him back doing well and still progressing in the right direction. So, happy about that.” Stroud is seemingly trending toward being cleared in time for Sunday's game vs. the Titans, but we'll keep you updated on his progress