C.J. Stroud Faces Pressure to Lead Texans in Wild-Card Matchup Against Chargers

After a challenging sophomore season, Stroud looks to regain his competitive edge and overcome injuries to key teammates in Saturday's playoff game.

C.J. Stroud's second NFL season saw a statistical decline, with his passer rating dropping from 100.8 as a rookie to 87.0 this year, and his interceptions increasing from 5 to 12.
The Texans finished 10-7 and won the AFC South but struggled in the latter half of the season, going 4-5 in their final nine games.
Stroud will be without top wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, both sidelined with season-ending injuries, and faced significant pressure behind an offensive line that allowed 52 sacks this season.
Teammates and coaches have praised Stroud's competitiveness and leadership, with tight end Dalton Schultz and head coach DeMeco Ryans emphasizing his determination to win despite adversity.
The Texans are three-point underdogs against the Chargers, with Stroud's performance seen as pivotal to their chances of advancing in the playoffs.