MVP…MVP: Stroud draws chants in AFC Wild Card Round victory

In a captivating AFC Wild Card Round showdown, the atmosphere at NRG Stadium reached a fever pitch as C.J. Stroud took the field with the Texans holding a commanding 38-14 lead over the Browns. The crowd erupted into a chorus of chants that echoed through the sold-out stadium:

"MVP... MVP... MVP."

Texans receiver Nico Collins expressed the sentiment shared by many, saying, "Legendary, man. He deserves it. He deserves everything for sure." The fervor of the fans grew with each passing second, creating an electric moment.

Rookie sensation Will Anderson Jr., witnessing the spectacle from the sidelines, couldn't help but be moved by the chants that crescendoed in support of Stroud. In his inaugural NFL Playoff appearance, Stroud delivered a performance that screamed MVP, completing 16 of 21 passes for 274 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

Texans tight end Brevin Jordan voiced the astonishment of many when he said, "I don't understand why he's not in the conversation for MVP. I honestly think he should be the frontrunner." Stroud's remarkable display earned him a historic 157.2 passer rating, the highest ever recorded by a rookie in NFL history.

Teammate Will Anderson Jr., the No. 3 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, enthusiastically endorsed the MVP chants, admitting to joining in. "For him to be a rookie and have the success that he's having right now, leading this team at such a young age, he's a special young man," Anderson declared.

The Texans now move forward to the AFC Divisional Round, propelled by Stroud's stellar leadership at QB1. "C.J. [Stroud] is the reason why we're in this position. He's special. Special young man, special player, continues to shine no matter how big the moment is," acknowledged a team spokesperson.

As the anticipation builds for the remaining Super Wild Card Round games, the question of whether the Texans will play at home or on the road in the AFC Divisional Round hangs in the balance. Regardless, one thing is certain: C.J. Stroud's playoff debut has etched a remarkable chapter in the team's journey, and fans eagerly await the next thrilling installment. Stay tuned for updates on ticket sales, with the promise of more excitement to come.