NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year debate: Puka Nacua vs C.J. Stroud; 2 stellar rookies making their mark

The C.J. Stroud Chronicles: A Stellar Rookie Season and a Fight for the Coveted Title

C.J. Stroud, the young quarterback from the Houston Texans, has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. Akin to a comet streaking across the NFL skies, he's been lighting up scoreboards and breaking records along the way. However, a particular rookie receiver in Tinseltown is hot on his heels, turning the battle for the NFL Rookie of the Year into an enthralling contest of wills and skills.

Stroud's stellar season: An overview

Stroud's impressive run began in Week 9 when he shattered the single-game rookie record with an outstanding 470 passing yards and five touchdowns, leading the Texans to a nail-biting 39-37 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After this record-setting performance, his odds to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) plummeted from -150 to -500.

In the following weeks, Stroud continued his offensive onslaught, accumulating a league-high 3,631 yards. His stellar performances saw his odds for the coveted Rookie of the Year title shorten further to an astonishing -2000.

However, the road wasn't always smooth for our young quarterback. In Week 14, he had to leave the field during a game against the New York Jets due to a concussion. Despite this setback, Stroud held on to his pole position in the OROY race.