After another incredible performance, is it time to put C.J. Stroud in MVP conversation?
Even though he's a rookie, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has entered the MVP conversation.
In a 30-27 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, the second overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft completed 23-of-39 passes for 356 yards, one TD and one interception. And for a second straight week, he engineered a winning drive with under two minutes to go.
The former Ohio State Buckeye is invigorating a downtrodden franchise. The Texans are 5-4 and have a 56 percent chance of making the postseason, per The New York Times simulator. Houston hasn't made the playoffs since 2019 and only won 11 games from 2020-22.
"Stroud is going to work himself into the MVP conversation," wrote former NFL cornerback and Super Bowl champion Richard Sherman on X, formerly known as Twitter. "This team was supposed to be a few years from contending. He is elevating those around him."
Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown is the only player to win Offensive Rookie of the Year and MVP (1957). Per oddschecker, Stroud is the favorite (-1000) to win OROY but has the 17th-best MVP odds (+3000). If he keeps delivering in the clutch, however, that will change.
Stroud is generating historic numbers, too. Per Statmuse, he's the only QB to record 2,500 yards or more, 15 or more TDs, and five or fewer interceptions through his first nine games.
Whether he wins MVP or not, there's no denying Stroud is thriving and has the potential to become one of the best QBs in the NFL. If the Texans continue to build around their budding star, the organization will have a bright future.
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