2 ESPN analysts predict C.J. Stroud will win 2024 NFL MVP

C.J. Stroud enters his sophomore season in the NFL with a boatload of hype.

The young Houston Texans quarterback just led his team to a divisional title and a wild card playoff victory before he took home Offensive Rookie of the Year. And now, months before the start of the 2024 season, some media analysts predict he could be the league MVP in his second year.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jordan Reid both picked Stroud to win the award in 2024. Graziano wrote that he expects the Texans to “maximize its window” by being “aggressive this offseason.” Reid wrote that “the Texans are poised to make another jump in 2024, similar to what we saw the Lions do.”

Oddsmakers have some belief in Stroud, too. He had the fourth-highest odds to win MVP earlier this month, ahead of 2023 winner Lamar Jackson.

Stroud electrified the NFL this past season with more than 4,000 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns and just five interceptions. He did so with an unproven collection of offensive talent and a good offensive line. The Texans appear poised to go out and add to their offense around Stroud, which should bolster his potential for the upcoming season.

At the very least, Stroud has a lot of support heading into a pivotal second year in the NFL.