Battle Red Blog on C.J. Stroud

Stroud's 2026 upside tied to running game addition; rookie-year performance possible.

Despite a postseason meltdown that raises 2026 carryover concerns, Stroud was better in the regular season than playoff memories suggest. He has been a solid-or-better starter without a competent running game; with David Montgomery and a reconfigured offensive line finally unlocking the Texans ground attack, the source projects something closer to his rookie-year performance in 2026. The Texans went 12-2 after losing Stroud for a month, outscored opponents by nearly nine points per game, and led all defenses in points allowed per drive (1.5), establishing a high floor for the offense.

C.J. StroudQB · HOUPlayer page — value, ADP, projections, and every insight