C.J. Stroud is beginning to look like the franchise quarterback who took the league by storm as a young starter. The third-year pro is coming off a near-perfect performance against the Arizona Cardinals, showcasing his pinpoint accuracy and impeccable timing. With four touchdowns and zero interceptions over his past two games, Stroud is beginning to find the range as a fearless gunslinger from the pocket.
Will Anderson Jr. is a disruptive force at the point of attack. The 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year continues to improve as a pass rusher and playmaker off the edge, with his relentlessness, physicality and explosiveness overwhelming blockers. As the Texans’ designated playmaker on the frontline, Anderson will move around to create and exploit favorable matchups at the line. With few blockers capable of handling his Tasmanian devil-like energy and effort, the Raiders must pay close attention to his whereabouts at all times.
Danielle Hunter has quietly amassed 111.5 career sacks over a 10-year career. The veteran leads the Texans with 12 this season, exhibiting his trademark quickness and burst off the edge. As the complementary pass rusher opposite Anderson, Hunter feasts on one-on-one matchups in pass protection. With opponents unable to double-team each of the Texans’ top pass rushers, the 10th-year pro will have plenty of chances to wreak havoc off the edges.