C.J. Stroud

Stroud finished 2025 as QB20 (13.9 PPG, 3,041 yds, 19 TD, 8 INT) and his season ended with a career-high 4-INT Divisional-round loss to New England — efficiency and ceiling have plateaued since his rookie year, leaving him range-bound as a low-end QB2 in 1QB formats.

Stroud suffered a severe concussion in 2025 and missed multiple games while Davis Mills won in relief; repeat head injuries carry recovery and availability risk, and the offense proved it could function without him.

Houston rebuilt the offensive line (Braden Smith, Wyatt Teller) and Stroud enters Year 2 of the Caley scheme — better protection plus reported plans to use his legs more give a clear path to a QB1 bounce-back at age 24.

The Texans exercised Stroud's $25.9M fifth-year option (locked through 2027) with an extension under discussion and no QB competition behind Davis Mills — his role and volume are completely secure long-term.

Stroud throws to a strong young receiver room — Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel — with Tank Dell expected back from injury per GM Nick Caserio, deepening the pass-catching arsenal for 2026.