C.J. Stroud vs Tyler Shough: Who Should You Start?
C.J. Stroud (15.5 PPG) and Tyler Shough (14.9 PPG) produced nearly identical fantasy numbers in 2025. When two quarterbacks are this close on a per-game basis, the weekly matchup matters more than the season-long resume. C.J. Stroud played 14 games for the Houston Texans; Tyler Shough suited up 11 times for the New Orleans Saints.
A 0.6-point per-game gap over a full season is essentially noise. It means one extra catch, one fewer target, or a single broken play away from flipping the script. For a weekly start/sit call between these two, matchup analysis matters far more than the season line.
Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. C.J. Stroud threw for 3041 yards and 19 touchdowns, while Tyler Shough posted 2384 yards and 10 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: C.J. Stroud sits Week 14 while Tyler Shough is off Week 12. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
