Minnesota Vikings D/ST is the biggest real-life reason the Vikings are 2-0, and they are maybe the biggest positional surprise in fantasy. The first two games saw the Vikings' defense rank in the top-four D/ST units for fantasy each game, the only team that can say that. However, their hands are full in Week 3 as they face a potent offense in the Houston Texans. The Texans offense, led by second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, has been among the stingiest for opposing defenses, as they have had only one turnover through the first two games. Given that the Vikings' strengths on defense is through sacks and turnovers, the Stroud-led offense may be challenging to get explosive defensive performances against. RotoBaller is aligned with this assessment and has Minnesota ranked 22nd among all DSTs for Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud's second season got off to a terrific start in Sunday's win over the Indianapolis Colts. He completed 24 of 32 passes for 234 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers in a 29-27 victory at Indianapolis. Last year's NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year was also a distant second in carries, running four times for 13 yards. Stroud was composed and effective for Houston, completing passes to eight different receivers and throwing the game-winning touchdown with less than five minutes to play. Stroud targeted receivers Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs at least six times each, connecting with Diggs on touchdowns of nine and two yards. The former Buckeye will look to build upon a promising Week 1 with a home game against the Chicago Bears next week.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud delivered a strong performance in his second preseason game against the New York Giants, although the offense didn't score while he was on the field. Stroud led the Texans downfield on the opening drive effectively, but the team failed to convert a fourth down on the Giants' 6-yard line. Stroud showcased impressive command and appeared to be in midseason form. The Texans' strategy this year seems to focus heavily on the passing game, as they passed ten times and rushed only four times in the first quarter with starters. This approach bodes well for Stroud's fantasy prospects, indicating significant passing volume. Stroud finished the game 7-of-10 for 88 yards. If he's done for the preseason, his overall stats will be 9-of-14 for 129 yards and one touchdown. Stroud has a solid opportunity to be a top-five fantasy quarterback this year, but his lack of rushing may limit his overall ceiling.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud connected with receiver Tank Dell for a 34-yard touchdown reception midway through the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Stroud finished the night 2-for-4 with 41 yards and a touchdown. The scoring play showcased the explosive passing Texans fans grew accustomed to seeing from him during his rookie season. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. He led the Texans to an AFC South championship and secured a victory over Cleveland in the wild-card round. It will be hard for Stroud to live up to the unbelievable hype building this offseason, but he and Tank Dell already seem up to the task.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Stefon Diggs are among the team's healthy starters that will play in the second preseason contest on Friday on the road against the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers. Stroud and the rest of the starting offense were held out of last week's Hall of Fame game against the Chicago Bears, but they'll get some action in the second preseason game. The 22-year-old Stroud and the rest of the starters that play on Friday will likely only play for a couple of drives, at the most, but it will give us our first look at his connection with new wideout Diggs in a game setting. Stroud's marvelous first NFL season in 2024 has vaulted him into midrange QB1 status in fantasy circles, especially after the addition of Diggs this offseason. Diggs, meanwhile, will see his fantasy stock fall in a new environment in which he'll have more competition for targets.

From RotoBaller

The Houston Texans are expected to sit their starting units in Thursday's Hall of Fame game against the Chicago Bears in Canton, Ohio. That will certainly include second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, as the Texans are set to start backup quarterback Davis Mills. Replaced as the starter by last season's first-round pick Stroud, Mills figures to get most of the snaps under center for the Texans on Thursday. Stroud's hype train in his second season keeps on chugging, as the Texans added Stefon Diggs to an already capable receiving unit featuring Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Dalton Schultz. While the rushing part of the equation may not be there for Stroud, his prolific work as a passer vaults him into the top grouping of quarterbacks on draft day for fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (foot) practiced fully Monday after getting his foot stepped on Saturday by veteran defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi and having Sunday off. Stroud didn't miss any snaps on Saturday or Monday. Head coach DeMeco Ryans hasn't indicated specifically who will play in the Hall of Fame game on Thursday night against the Chicago Bears in Canton, but he is expected to not play several key starters and older veterans. That should include Stroud and other experienced players. The 22-year-old former No. 2 overall is garnering plenty of hype in his second season in the pros, finishing seventh among signal-callers in fantasy points per game (18.7) as a rookie last year. Stroud should be able to put up prolific passing numbers with Houston's loaded receiving corps at his disposal, but his lack of rushing ability could prevent him from jumping into the top tier.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (foot) was spotted limping during practice on Saturday after getting his foot stepped on. However, according to head coach DeMeco Ryans, it isn't a concern. The 22-year-old had a stellar first season in the league. In 15 games, he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five picks, adding 167 yards and three scores off 39 carries. Without question, expectations for Stroud are high entering the 2024-25 campaign, and he could be an even bigger fantasy asset if he becomes more accurate. There will likely be an update on Stroud's condition soon. Fortunately, it doesn't sound like it's anything fantasy managers need to be concerned about.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023, said he thinks there are "a ton of things" he can do better in his second year in the NFL, starting with "owning the offense more" than he did a year ago. Stroud also hopes to improve his footwork in Year 2 and focused on his desire for the team to put more "on my plate" in terms of directing the offense. "I want to definitely attack down the field more this year and press guys back, but also take what the defense gives me," Stroud said. "If it's a boring play, stick with the boring stuff and just be efficient with that. Those are all things I can get better at." Fantasy managers shouldn't consider the 22-year-old to be a high-end QB1 just yet, but he's no doubt going to be a popular midrange QB1 target after the phenomenal rookie season he had.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans offensive tackles Laremy Tunsil (knee) and Tytus Howard (knee) are expected to be ready for training camp this summer after undergoing offseason surgery. The two bookends can be one of the league's best tackle duos, but Tunsil missed three games in 2023, while Howard missed 10. It's a good sign that both players will be available when it matters most, and if they can stay healthy throughout the 2024 campaign, signal-caller C.J. Stroud has an even better chance to make the next step into the elite quarterback conversation. Joe Mixon could also be set to run behind one of the best offensive lines of his career, and the standout tackles have a lot to do with that.

From RotoBaller

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Kansas City Chiefs will square off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Houston Texans will host the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day during the 2024 NFL season. For different reasons, all four teams will be interesting to monitor this year. Kansas City is aiming to be the first franchise to win three straight Super Bowls, Pittsburgh will be led by Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, Baltimore looks to get over the hump in search of a Lombardi Trophy, and Houston was one of last year's big surprise teams to contend in the playoffs. With no shortage of disappointing primetime matchups over the last few years, games featuring stars like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, C.J. Stroud, T.J. Watt, and more on Christmas should be exciting. These two Christmas Day games will be streamed exclusively on Netflix.

From RotoBaller