All-Time Texans QBs Ranked: Schaub #1, Watson #2

C.J. Stroud

Starter 3 Years
3,041 Pass Yds
19 TDs
8 INTs
20 Total TDs
C.J.'s
HAIR
33.9
HeyTC AI Rating
#13 Active

Questions about C.J. Stroud or the Texans?

C.J. Stroud Today

HEYTC AI
@ New England Patriots Sunday 3:00 PM ET ESPN
C.J. Stroud, ranked #13 in HeyTC AI Rankings, heads into Houston's high-stakes Divisional Round clash at the New England Patriots off a gritty 30-6 Wild Card rout of the Steelers, where he fired 250 yards, a TD, and an INT despite ball-handling hiccups that shrunk his margin for error—now he's laser-focused on rebounding with center Jake Andrews to protect the rock. The 12-5 Texans eye an AFC Championship path, but face a massive blow without Pro Bowl WR Nico Collins, sidelined by a third-quarter concussion and unlikely to clear protocol, forcing Stroud to scheme around depleted weapons amid re-evals for OL Trent Brown and Tytus Howard. Healthy and battle-tested after past concussions, Stroud's poise under playoff pressure could propel Houston past a Pats defense hungry for revenge—this game's a tone-setter for a Super Bowl run, Texans fans, buckle up for prime-time fireworks!

C.J. Stroud Rating Breakdown

Season
Good
Fantasy
Average
Playoffs
Average
Overall
Chill
3 years with the Texans

C.J. Stroud Contract & Salary

Status Rookie Contract
Contract Length 4 years
Total Value $36,400,000
Avg/Year (APY) $9,100,000
Guaranteed $36,400,000
Free Agent 2028

C.J. Stroud 2025 Stats via ESPN

3,041 Pass Yards
19 Pass TDs
8 INTs
64.5% Comp %
33.9 HAIR
92.9 Passer Rtg
7.2 Y/A
14 Games
209 Rush Yards
1 Rush TDs

Should I Keep C.J. Stroud?

HEYTC AI
KEEP 9/10 Confidence (Very High)

Stroud followed up his breakout with a solid but less spectacular 2025, posting 3,041 passing yards, 19 TDs and a 92.9 rating while guiding Houston back to the playoffs, which keeps him firmly in the long-term franchise QB tier. His efficiency and age still make him a cornerstone in dynasty, even if his 2025 fantasy output was more mid-range QB1/QB2 than elite.

C.J. Stroud Fantasy Projections & Matchup Analysis
QB5–QB7 Dynasty Rank
24 Age
6-8 years Elite Years Left
High Trade Value
Career Trajectory: Rising

If your keeper cost is in the single-digit rounds, he is an easy hold as a long-term QB1 building block; in premium formats (6-pt pass TD, superflex) you can justify keeping him even at a 2nd–3rd round cost. If the keeper price is truly elite draft capital (top 12–15 overall), you should at least explore trades given his high but not yet Mahomes/Allen-tier production in 2025.

Team Situation

Houston again reached the postseason in 2025, with a balanced but pass-leaning offense (55.1% pass rate, 13th in scoring) that appears stable around Stroud as its centerpiece. As long as the current coaching/QB core remains intact, his environment projects as one of the safer long-term situations for a young quarterback.

Long-term Factors
  • Young franchise QB with solid 2025 peripherals (7.2 YPA, 92.9 rating, 3,041 yards, 19 TDs) and playoff-caliber play sustaining long-term dynasty value.
  • Supporting cast and scheme continuity in Houston after another playoff season, keeping his weekly floor and long-term stability strong.
  • Passing-centric offensive profile (Texans around league average to slightly above in pass rate, 55.1%) that supports reliable volume for years.

C.J. Stroud Career Timeline

HEYTC AI
2025 3

Passes John Elway in Wins Through First Three Seasons

In a Week 18 victory over the Indianapolis Colts to close the 2025 regular season, Stroud recorded his 28th career win, surpassing Hall of Famer John Elway for the second-most wins by a quarterback selected first or second overall in his first three NFL seasons in the Super Bowl era.

Leads Texans to Third Straight Playoff Berth

Despite his midseason absence, Stroud helped the Texans finish 12–5 in 2025 and reach the postseason for the third straight year, again winning in the Wild Card Round but exiting in the Divisional Round, giving him two career Wild Card victories.

Concussion and Missed Games During 2025 Season

During the 2025 regular season, Stroud missed three games after sustaining a concussion in a November loss, remaining in the league’s concussion protocol before later returning to reclaim the starting job for Houston.

2024 1

Returns to Postseason for Second Straight Year

Stroud again guided the Texans to the playoffs in the 2024 season, with Houston winning its Wild Card matchup for the second consecutive year before being eliminated in the Divisional Round.

2023 3

Named Pro Bowler and Offensive Rookie of the Year

Following his standout rookie campaign, Stroud was selected to the Pro Bowl and earned the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award for the 2023 season, cementing his status as one of the league’s top young quarterbacks.

Historic Rookie Season and Playoff Debut

In his 2023 rookie season with the Texans, Stroud threw for over 4,000 passing yards and led Houston to the playoffs, winning a Wild Card game before the team fell in the Divisional Round, marking a historic start to his NFL career.

Drafted by Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud was selected by the Houston Texans as the 2nd overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, immediately entering the league as the franchise’s quarterback of the future.

3 years in the NFL

Frequently Asked Questions About C.J. Stroud

Is C.J. Stroud injured?

C.J. Stroud is not currently injured and played in the Texans' wild-card playoff win over the Steelers on January 12, 2026. He had recently been in concussion protocol but cleared it earlier in the season, starting the playoff game with Davis Mills as backup.

How did C.J. Stroud play in the last game?

In the Texans' 30-6 wild-card playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 12, 2026, C.J. Stroud threw a key pass to Nico Collins before Collins' injury. He led the team to a dominant victory, snapping recent turnover issues as noted post-game.

Will C.J. Stroud be traded or get a contract extension?

There are no current rumors of C.J. Stroud being traded, as he remains the starting quarterback for the Texans in the playoffs. With his recent performance in the wild-card win, focus is on postseason success rather than contract or trade news.

What is C.J. Stroud's current quarterback ranking?

C.J. Stroud is currently ranked #13 on HeyTC's Daily AI Quarterback Rankings with an overall score in the Chill (33.87) tier. This ranking reflects his strong playoff performance despite earlier season challenges.

Who do the Houston Texans play next with C.J. Stroud?

The Houston Texans, led by C.J. Stroud, play next on Sunday in the divisional round at the New England Patriots. This follows their wild-card win over the Steelers, with Stroud confirmed as the starter.

What is the biggest current storyline for C.J. Stroud?

C.J. Stroud is leading the Texans in the playoffs after a stellar wild-card performance in their 30-6 win over the Steelers on January 12, 2026, overcoming earlier concussion issues and turnovers. The team now eyes a deep postseason run starting with the divisional round at New England.