Texans QB C.J. Stroud debuts in Top 40 on NFL Top 100 list for 2025
Even after a "slump" in 2024, players believe that the Houston Texans have a top 10 QB and top 40 player calling the shots in QB C.J. Stroud
Welcome to the party, C.J. Stroud.
The Houston Texans quarterback officially made his debut on the NFL Top 100 list following the 2024 season, appearing at No. 39. Joining Pro Bowl defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (No. 46) and Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon (No. 58), Stroud's view from teammates and other NFL stars certainily is revered higher than the national perspective.
Even in a "slump" of a sophomore season, Stroud still guided the AFC South champs back to the postseason and a 10-7 record.
"Those concerned with Stroud’s sophomore slump are missing the bigger picture. With him under center, a team that had managed only 11 combined victories in three seasons prior to his arrival won 11 in a season (including playoffs) for a second straight year," NFL.com wrote. "He’s already produced two blowout postseason wins. He experienced a step back in 2024, but he also played behind PFF’s 29th-ranked offensive line and lost all three of his best receivers to injury at various points. The Texans have addressed both groups this offseason, and Stroud possesses all the talent to capitalize with a redemption arc."
That’s our QB1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/cYHTuiCIjC— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 11, 2025
Initially, Stroud and the Texans were viewed as a can't-miss team with offensive firepower that could compete for the Super Bowl bid. Headlined by Nico Collins, Tank Dell and All-Pro Stefon Diggs, some believed that Stroud would be in line to win the MVP while shattering his 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year while shattering his records set during his 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year season.
But injuries and lackluster offensive line play led to some setbacks. Stroud, who averaged a league-high 273.9 passing yards per game as a rookie, only threw for 219.2 yards per game. His interception total more than doubled from five to 12, and he threw for three fewer touchdowns despite making two more appearances.
The offense should differ after the firing of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and hired new signal-caller Nick Caley. After helping the Los Angeles Rams make the postseaon, Caley will be tasked with getting the group to look dynamic again and having Stroud reassert himself as a no-dobut top 10 passer in the league.
Don't expect Stroud to be the last Texans player to make the list. Houston also features Collins and All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter still have yet to be ranked, but all are expected to make the cut.
The Texans open the regular season on the road against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 7.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans QB C.J. Stroud debuts in Top 40 on NFL Top 100 list for 2025
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