Texans QB C.J. Stroud to start Saturday's preseason game vs. Dolphins, not yet Week 1 starter, getting little love on 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of Year odds

Three quarterbacks were taken in the first four picks of this year's draft. Carolina has named No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young its regular-season starter. Indianapolis has done the same with No. 4 overall choice Anthony Richardson. Houston has not named CJ Stroud its Week 1 quarterback yet, but the writing appears to be on the wall as the No. 2 overall pick will start a second straight preseason game Saturday vs. Miami.

While Stroud wasn't considered as pro-ready as Young, the former Ohio State record-setter definitely was considered more advanced than Richardson. But each team has different ideas on when to name a rookie the starter. There will not be a fourth rookie Week 1 starter barring injury to Tennessee's Ryan Tannehill – second-round pick Will Levis might not even be his backup yet.

Stroud was not good as the starter in last week's preseason win over New England, going 2-for-4 passing with an interception, a 15-yard sack and a 13.3 passer rating while playing two series in the 20-9 Houston win. To be fair to Stroud, he did go up against a defensive genius in Bill Belichick. And he'll face another defensive legend of sorts on Saturday in new Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Yes, it's the preseason, but the schemes are largely the same.

Stroud took the Texans' first-team reps in practice for the second consecutive week (they had joint practices with Miami), so it sure seems like the competition is over. Davis Mills and veteran journeyman Case Keenum are also on the QB depth chart. It's not clear how long Stroud may play Saturday, but likely more than the opener.

"C.J. will go out first as he did last week, and we'll judge the game as it goes along," new Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. 

DraftKings sent out updated splits for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year today and Falcons running back Bijan Robinson remains the +275 favorite. He leads in handle (19%) and co-leads in tickets (15%) with Richardson and Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Richardson (+600) got quite a boost this week in action, as he's also now second in handle at 17%.

Stroud is +850 and only taking 5% of the handle and 4% of the bets. Expect that to jump considerably once Stroud is named the starter unless he seriously struggles again Saturday. 

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