C.J.Stroud

News: 6 hours agoStroud completed 25 of 37 passes for 285 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions and added one rush for minus-4 yards in the Texans' 23-20 win over the Colts on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.

Spin: Stroud was coming off a career-low 86 passing yards in a Week 7 loss to the Packers, but he bounced back with his third-highest total of the season. The second-year signal-caller connected with Tank Dell for his one touchdown pass, hitting the second-year wideout from seven yards out late in the first half, and he recorded completions to eight different players overall. Stroud will still be without top wideout Nico Collins (hamstring) for at least one more game, and he'll have a short turnaround before doing battle with the Jets' talented secondary in a Week 9 Halloween road matchup Thursday night that he may not have Stefon Diggs (knee) for either.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: The former Buckeye looks to build on a momentous first season that included becoming just the fifth rookie quarterback to ever throw for at least 4,000 yards. Without much rushing volume or success in either his collegiate or professional profile, Stroud's fantasy production will be defined by his proficiency from the pocket. After finishing seventh in per-game fantasy output last season, another prolific passing season could unfold given the presence of a trio of talented receivers -- Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell -- each of whom brings special route trees and skill sets to the field. Securing Stroud in the middle rounds is a sound strategy for those who wait a bit at the position.