NFL Playoff Predictions: Will Rookie Sensation CJ Stroud Break Texans’ 4-Year Drought ?

CJ Stroud has officially been back at the Texans following his concussion protocol. And his immediate effect has been felt in their last game. Coming from the Browns‘ loss, the Texans made light work of the Titans in week 17, simplifying their playoff chances.

The Texans have one of the most straightforward routes into the playoffs, but will they clinch it? The past four seasons have been a tale of disappointments, but Stroud has mostly changed that since taking over Mills. But can he break the lock?

CJ Stroud and a rejuvenated hope for the Texans

Stroud was the 2023 second-overall draft pick for the Texans. His Ohio State University stats promised a colorful future for the QB, something that he has lived up to. Previous starter David Mills was largely ineffective in making a mark in the league, and new head coach DeMeco Ryans decided to give the young rookie a chance.

Since then, Stroud has gone on to become the best rookie in the league, quite possibly the best in the last couple of years. He has also broken a couple of records in his short journey already, including the rookie passing record against the Buccaneers throwing 470 yards for 5 TDs, elevating it from the previous 433 yards.

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Following a concussion protocol from the Jets game, Stroud is back to Gridiron. And the Texans are back with hopes. Can the young sensation solve the simple playoff equation that lies in front of the Texans?

What CJ Stroud needs to do to get to the playoffs?

The Texans (9-7), in all simplicity, need to win their next game over the Colts (9-7), and they will be in the playoffs. If they lose it, then they watch the postseason as spectators. They can get as high as the #6 in the AFC if both the Jaguars and Dolphins win on Sunday. However, securing a win for themselves on Sunday and overtaking the #7 still would be the primary task for them.

Just like rookie QB Stroud, rookie HC DeMeco Ryans has done an excellent job in binding the team together. The former 49ers’ defensive coordinator turned the side into arguably the league’s best defense and the Texans are one of the stricter defenses in the AFC as well with his defensive play calling.

The team last made the postseason cut in 2019, even winning the wild card round, but has been postseason spectators since. But this might be the year the rookie duo finally breaks the lock. If Stroud gets back to his early season shape and the defensive holds on against some of the most relentless attacks in the playoffs, the Texans might even run for greater targets than just the postseason.

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