C.J. Stroud will start for the Houston Texans in Week 18 against the Indianapolis Colts, and there is a piece of history at stake for the third-year passer.
Stroud has navigated increased expectations, even as a former No. 2 overall pick, following his award-winning rookie season. That did not stop this season, despite the Texans changing offensive coordinators this past offseason and the team’s injuries during the campaign.
Most importantly, Stroud is nearing another significant career milestone.
C.J. Stroud Justifying Texans’ Decision
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans reacts after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Stroud was viewed as the No. 2 QB in his class behind Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers), at worst, at a time when the Texans felt they needed to find a franchise-changing player at the position.
Two-plus seasons in, and the Texans’ PR team is touting Stroud as a “Return on Your Investment.”
He is one victory away from surpassing a Hall of Famer.
“With a win on Sunday, QB @CJ7STROUD would surpass HOF QB John Elway for the second-most wins by a quarterback selected first or second overall in the NFL Draft through their first three seasons (Super Bowl era),” Houston Texans PR posted on X on January 2.
The fact that Stroud missed three games in concussion protocol this season and two more with the same affliction as a rookie is key context for the accomplishment.
The Texans are 4-1 without Stroud.
Even with a win over the Colts in the 2025 regular-season finale, Stroud will finish second behind former Indy QB Andrew Luck, who won 33 games over his first three seasons. Luck retired following the 2018 season, his seventh in the league.
C.J. Stroud: Texans ‘Peaking at Right Time’
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans leaves the field after defeating the Indianapolis Colts.
Stroud has completed a career-best 64.8% of his passes for the Texans this season. His passing yards per game, as well as his touchdown and interception rates, all improved compared to last season.
However, due to a combination of factors, including acclimating to a new offense and missing time, his counting stats will show a career-worst campaign.
Nevertheless, Stroud is as confident as ever heading into the finale and the postseason.
“I think this past game was probably my best game, process-wise, of getting us in the right checks, the right calls, and motion, timing, cadence, everything. So, I just want to build on that,” Stroud told reporters on December 31. “I think we’re peaking at the right time. We’re starting to click at the right time. So, we got to just keep that going. I think this will be another opportunity to do that.”
The Texans have not lost since Week 9, when Stroud suffered his concussion against Elway’s former team, the Denver Broncos, with an average margin of victory of 6.7 points.
In a league often decided by one score, Stroud and the Texans have been on the right side.
Texans Eyeing Multiple Franchise Records
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans looks on after the game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Stroud is not the only member of the Texans with something on the line in Week 18. That is in addition to their continued pursuit of the AFC South title, which would require some help in the form of the Tennessee Titans defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Texans are still seeking their ninth straight win, which would tie their longest mark ever.
Houston is also looking to set franchise bests for wins in a single season, wins at home during a single season, and they can sweep the Colts in back-to-back years for the first time.
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