C.J. Stroud fantasy outlook — Week 1
C.J. Stroud (QB, HOU) is our QB22 for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, projected for 15 fantasy points with the team on bye. Data as of September 12, 2026 at 8:23 PM ET.
Data on this page is as of September 12, 2026 at 8:23 PM ET and refreshes automatically every 30 minutes.
- Projection
- 15 pts
- QB rank
- #22
- Rostered
- 26%
- Started
- 3%
What our analysts say
Sally's take
Peppers & Picks ranks C.J. Stroud (HOU QB), our QB22 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 15.0 projected points with a spicy Pepper Meter rating. 15 points is roughly 12% short of the QB baseline, and I rank on output, not name recognition. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. Only 26% of leagues roster him, so this is cheap production before the price goes up. Spicy on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Tina's take
Peppers & Picks ranks C.J. Stroud (HOU QB), our QB22 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 15.0 projected points with a spicy Pepper Meter rating. 15 points is roughly 12% short of the QB baseline, and I honestly rank on output, not name recognition. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. Only 26% of leagues roster him, so this is cheap production before the price goes up. Spicy on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.