C.J. Stroud vs Daniel Jones: Who Should You Start?
C.J. Stroud and Daniel Jones are both viable fantasy quarterbacks heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. C.J. Stroud averaged 15.5 PPG across 14 games with the Houston Texans, while Daniel Jones posted 18.0 PPG in 13 appearances for the Indianapolis Colts.
A 2.5-PPG gap gives Daniel Jones the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. C.J. Stroud threw for 3041 yards and 19 touchdowns, while Daniel Jones posted 3101 yards and 19 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 14 bye. That means you need a backup plan at quarterback for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
