Fantasy football: Why analyst says start CJ Stroud in Week 6 v. Jaguars

ESPN analyst Eric Moody predicts that Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud could be a smart streaming choice for Week 6 fantasy football matchups against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars' defense has been tough on quarterbacks, allowing only 14.0 fantasy points per game. However, Stroud has been performing well lately, scoring at least 20 fantasy points in two consecutive games and averaging 19.9 fantasy points in five matchups against Jacksonville.

WR Nico Collins is still his primary target, and now Stroud has added another reliable option in running back Harrison. The key for Stroud lies in extending plays downfield, as the Jaguars defense has permitted 608 yards on passes of 15+ yards this season, the second-highest total in the NFL. Stroud ranks among the two quarterbacks with 45 passes of at least 15 yards downfield this season.

The absence of starting cornerback Montaric Brown for the Jaguars, with Travis Hunter and Jarrian Jones filling in, could provide Stroud with more opportunities for big plays. However, the Jaguars' ability to apply pressure on Stroud will be crucial, as it might limit his downfield options. Nonetheless, the Jaguars' varying success in pressuring their quarterbacks throughout the season remains a factor to consider.