As the anticipation builds for the kick-off of NFL Week 1, bettors are already making their NFL MVP picks. Houston Texans QB CJ Stroud is gaining traction as a top contender, with odds placing him as the fourth-shortest to win MVP at BetMGM. After an impressive rookie year where he won Offensive Rookie of the Year and led the Texans to the playoffs, fans are eager to see what Stroud can accomplish in his second season.
Coming off a stellar rookie season, where he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and had a QB rating of 100.8, Stroud has already made a name for himself in the league. Leading the Texans to a 10-7 record and claiming the division title, Stroud has set high expectations for himself. Can he continue his success and elevate his game even further?
Historically, only five players have won the MVP award in their second season since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Names like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes have achieved this feat in recent years, with Kurt Warner being the last to do so in 1999. Stroud will have stiff competition from the likes of Mahomes and Jackson, who have proven themselves as formidable quarterbacks in the league.
With the Texans favored to win the AFC South Division, Stroud’s chances at the MVP award may depend on how the team performs in the conference. Adding weapons like WR Stefon Diggs and RB Joe Mixon during the offseason has bolstered the Texans’ offense, giving Stroud the tools he needs to succeed. If the Texans can secure a conference win and Stroud continues to put up impressive numbers, he could be a strong contender for MVP honors.
The battle for the MVP award will be tough, with quarterbacks like Mahomes and Jackson also in the running. Winning the AFC could be a significant factor in determining the MVP winner, as the competition in the conference is fierce. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on CJ Stroud to see if he can live up to the hype and take his game to the next level.
