Head to Head · Start / Sit

C.J. Stroud vs Drake Maye

Fantasy Football Comparison for the 2026 NFL Season

QBHouston Texans

C.J. Stroud

PPG

15.5

Games

Pass Yds

3,041

Pass TDs

Rush Yds

209

Rush TDs

Bye

Week 14

QBNew England PatriotsPPG LEADER

Drake Maye

PPG

21.1

Games

Pass Yds

4,394

Pass TDs

Rush Yds

450

Rush TDs

Bye

Week 14

Head to Head

15.5 PPG21.1 PPG

14 GP17 GP

Bye: Week 14Bye: Week 14

C.J. Stroud vs Drake Maye: Who Should You Start?

Deciding between C.J. Stroud and Drake Maye is a common lineup dilemma for fantasy managers. The Houston Texans quarterback put up 15.5 PPG in 2025 over 14 games; Drake Maye of the New England Patriots averaged 21.1 in 17. A 5.6-point margin that could shift on any given week.

The per-game difference of 5.6 points favors Drake Maye, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one quarterback to the other.

Drake Maye offers meaningful rushing upside with 450 yards on the ground in 2025, which separates his floor from a pocket passer like C.J. Stroud (3041 passing yards, 19 touchdowns). In games where the passing matchup looks ugly, that rushing production can be the entire difference on a start/sit call.

Both share a Week 14 bye, which matters for roster construction. If you are stacking quarterbacks this deep on your bench, plan your replacement quarterback early.

The Bottom Line

21.1 PPG for Drake Maye versus 15.5 for C.J. Stroud in 2025. The baseline favors Drake Maye, though the right weekly matchup can flip the script. For a full breakdown that weighs matchup quality, form, and injury reports, try DraftCall's AI comparison engine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start C.J. Stroud or Drake Maye in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Drake Maye has the edge at 21.1 PPG compared to C.J. Stroud's 15.5 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did C.J. Stroud and Drake Maye average in 2025?▾

C.J. Stroud averaged 15.5 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 14 games in 2025. Drake Maye averaged 21.1 PPG over 17 games. That is a difference of 5.6 points per game.

Do C.J. Stroud and Drake Maye share a bye week?▾

Yes, both C.J. Stroud and Drake Maye share a Week 14 bye in 2026. If you roster both, you will need a fill-in at quarterback for that week.

Is C.J. Stroud or Drake Maye a better fantasy quarterback in 2026?▾

Drake Maye outscored C.J. Stroud by 5.6 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.