Coming off another terrific performance, Houston Texans rookie quarterback CJ Stroud is getting rave reviews for his start to the season. And while it's early, he's become the betting favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year across several sports books.
He has some tough competition from players like Dolphins RB De’Von Achane, Colts QB Anthony Richardson, and even his own teammate Tank Dell is making a case.
But at this moment, it's hard not to like Stroud's chances to take home the hardware.
And Stroud might get a boost this week with tackles Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard back at practice with a chance to play against the Falcons.
Which made us wonder, what is the ideal offensive line this season for the Texans when everyone is back to full health?
Plus, could rookie edge Will Anderson Jr. bring home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors?
Be sure to watch the video above as the guys break it all down!
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Yordan makes loud statement in Astros shutout win
Aug 27, 2025, 10:00 pm
Yordan Alvarez homered for the first time since returning from a fractured right hand, helping Framber Valdez and the Houston Astros beat the Colorado Rockies 4-0 on Wednesday night.
Yordaddy is home. pic.twitter.com/MnHS2ohWH1
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 28, 2025
Alvarez hit a two-run drive off Angel Chivilli in the eighth inning for his fourth homer this season. The slugger was activated from the 60-day injured list Tuesday and went 0 for 2 with two walks in his first game back.
Valdez (12-7) allowed three hits — all singles — in seven innings. The left-hander struck out five and walked two.
Cam Smith also went deep for Houston, which remained 1 1/2 games ahead of Seattle for the top spot in the AL West.
CAM THE MAN SMASH pic.twitter.com/n9u8shRKD4
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 28, 2025
Injury updates
The Houston Astros placed catcher Victor Caratini on the concussion injured list on Wednesday, putting the AL West leaders in a bind behind the plate.
Yainer Diaz, another Houston catcher, is day to day with a left wrist injury. He was hit by an errant pitch from Craig Kimbrel while catching in the eighth inning of Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Baltimore.
The Astros recalled catcher César Salazar from Triple-A Sugar Land, and he got the start for Wednesday night’s game against Colorado.
Caratini took a foul ball off the mask during the ninth inning of Tuesday’s 6-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies. Caratini is batting .262 with a career-high 43 RBIs, while matching his career high with 11 homers in 95 games this season.
Diaz is batting .257 with 18 homers and 55 RBIs in 116 games this season.