Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud's production in 2025, or the perception of the lack thereof, has been a hot topic of discussion for fans and media alike. 

With a new play caller in Nick Caley, a revamped offensive line and at least three new wide receivers to mesh together with, Stroud has been expected to shoulder a majority of the burden when it's come to the timeline of the offense's cohesiveness and explosion. 

It hasn't always been pretty, as evidenced by the 0-3 start to the season that had many firing up the mock draft machines and 2026 offseason salary cap calculators. 

Fast forward to week 14, and Stroud has helped lead his team to a 7-2 record since then (7-5 record overall), a four-game win streak and an 8th seed in the AFC with five games left to play. 

They will put that recent success on the line against a wounded Kansas City Chiefs squad (6-6) at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday Night Football. 

While most of the attention will be on head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has drawn the assignment of containing a Stroud-led offense that may be finding its legs 12 games into the campaign. 

For context, here are Stroud's performance splits in wins and losses on the year:

In WINS: 97/129 (75.2%), 1,071 yards, 8 TDs, 2 INTs, 112.75 passer rating

In LOSSES: 86/148 (58.1%), 907 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs, 76.28 passer rating

Effective C.J. vs. Ineffective C.J.

Stroud has looked his best in Caley's system when he's taken high percentage throws and kept  the sticks moving towards an opponent's red zone. He doesn't try to do too much, which allows for Houston to dominate time of possession and methodically wear opponents down over the course of four quarters. 

It also provides the NFL's #1 overall defense an opportunity to catch their breath while they wait their next opportunity to wreak havoc on an opponent's offense. 

At his worst, C.J. has been impatient, taking unnecessary risks with the football that led to multiple drive killing turnovers. He also has taken a number of self-inflicted 10+ yard sacks by trying to extend plays instead of just dirting a pass or throwing attempts out of bounds. 

Attacking Spagnuolo's Defense

Against Spagnuolo's group, Stroud will have to prioritize efficiency and ball security. 

Over the last four games, the Chiefs defense has allowed opponents to score 28, 22, 20 and 31. Specific to passing yardage, they've given up 273, 295, 181 and 320 yards across the four games respectively. 

In general, they have allowed seven of their 12 opponents to score 20+ points or more and are 2-6 in those games. 

Thus, if Stroud and co. can eclipse the 20+ point mark, take care of the football and also take the ball away from Mahomes in the process, Houston could leave Arrow head field with their second win in the Reid and Mahomes era of Kansas City Football. 

They also would leave 8-5 and in prime position to roar into the AFC playoffs as a team that many wrote off after week three. 

Do you think Stroud and the offense puts up enough points to take down the Chiefs defense? Let us know in the comment section below and on the official Texans Roundtable X account, @Texans_RTB!