Fantasy football managers face tough choices this week as several notable quarterbacks find themselves on the chopping block. Injuries, poor schedules, and declining production have altered the landscape of many rosters.
It’s a reminder that name value can’t always save a player from the waiver wire. These recent developments could create opportunities for more agile managers willing to move quickly.
Cut: C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
Rostered: 55%
C.J. Stroud sustained a concussion in the Houston Texans’ Week 9 loss to the Denver Broncos. That’s not the reason to drop Stroud, though. At least not entirely.
The third-year quarterback has a great matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars next week, if he’s available. Although he only posted 12.4 fantasy points against them in their first meeting.
The reality is, Stroud isn’t that good of a fantasy quarterback. He’d been better lately, but still has just two games of 20+ fantasy points and three with 18+ points.
Stroud is a fine streaming option in the right matchup, but he’s not an every-week must-roster player. If he can’t start this week, or you simply don’t need him, drop him.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Rostered: 55%
It’s déjà vu for the Cincinnati Bengals. The 2025 season is pretty much a redux of the 2024 season. The offense scores a boatload of points. The defense can’t stop anyone. As a result, the Bengals continue to lose games.
Cincinnati is now 1-6 since Joe Burrow went down. They carry a 3-6 record into their bye week. Coming out of the bye, they have a gauntlet to run. Their next five opponents are the Steelers, Patriots, Ravens, Bills, and Ravens again.
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The Bengals are not expected to win any of those games. Two more losses essentially end their season. They’re taking at least three. By the time Burrow can return, this team will be mathematically eliminated. He’s not going to play again this season and can be safely dropped.
Why It’s Time to Move On from Stroud and Burrow in Fantasy
Tough roster calls define fantasy football seasons, and this week highlights how quickly things can change. Managers holding out hope for Stroud or Burrow may need to accept that potential doesn’t always equal production.
Stroud’s inconsistency, paired with a tricky injury timeline, makes him a luxury most teams can’t afford to stash. Burrow’s situation is even clearer, as Cincinnati’s season has slipped beyond saving, leaving no reason to expect a meaningful return.
Successful fantasy teams separate emotion from strategy, and this stretch of the season demands that discipline. Moving on from big names might feel risky, but fresh opportunities often come from bold decisions.
Whether that means streaming quarterbacks based on matchups or grabbing an emerging option off the wire, adaptability is the key. Managers willing to act now will set themselves up for a stronger playoff push when it matters most.