Week 12 QB power rankings: Betting the MVP race, rest of season projections, how to treat injuries and full tiers

On the eve of the NFL season opener, C.J. Stroud's odds to hoist the MVP award hovered around +15000. To call the Texans quarterback a longshot would have been a vast understatement. The number made sense. Only one rookie has earned the trophy. Jim Brown was a running back. He won the award 66 years ago.

Just nine games in, Stroud had ascended last week to near the top of the board at around +2000 while simultaneously climbing in our weekly QB rankings. Sunday offered an opportunity in game 10 to affirm his exalted status — even improve it. He was matched against Arizona and its No. 30-ranked defense for touchdowns allowed.

Stroud led Houston to victory No. 6, more than its over/under total for the season. That counts for something in the MVP discussion.

His stat line was a mixed bag. He threw for two touchdowns and 336 yards, but also gave up three interceptions and three sacks. Consequently, his odds dipped a bit further, owing largely to the re-injured Joe Burrow slipping out of the picture. 

Read on to see where Stroud landed in our latest rankings.

There was little shakeup at the top, in part because the first and fifth players entering the weekend, Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts, won't play until Monday night — after our deadline. 

For each player listed, we provide his MVP odds if applicable, a QB2 rating that indicates how much a team's power rating is downgraded if the starter is out and projected fantasy points per game.

Which QB offers the best value in the MVP race? And which signal-callers are on the rise? ... Join SportsLine right now to see Week 12 QB Power Rankings from veteran writer Mike Tierney, including how to bet when injuries strike and SportsLine projections for all 32 starters!