What happened: The league resurfaced C.J. Stroud's three-touchdown postseason debut from his 2023 rookie campaign against Cleveland. Stroud led Houston to a 45-14 wild-card victory in that matchup after being selected second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Why it matters: The retrospective highlights Stroud's rapid ascent into one of the league's most efficient passers. In 2026, Stroud has sustained high-level execution while limiting turnovers to just two interceptions across eight starts.
By the numbers: In 2026 through 8 games, Stroud has completed 181 of 282 passes for 2,251 yards with 16 touchdowns and two interceptions.
What to watch: Houston continues its 2026 regular-season slate looking to preserve its standing in the AFC playoff race.