Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud didn’t sign a contract extension ahead of the 2026 season and that set him up for a prove-it year in Houston.

Last Sunday’s game against the Chargers was one Stroud can use to make his case for a new deal. Stroud threw five touchdowns as the Texans picked up a 44-22 win in Los Angeles.

Stroud was 21-of-35 for 384 yards overall and he added a pair of runs for 20 yards. The NFL named Stroud the AFC offensive player of the week on Wednesday.

It’s the second time this season and fifth time overall that Stroud received the award. He has 2,251 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 64.2 percent of his passes so far this year.