The Stroud Era Begins

The dog days of summer are finally coming to an end, with Week 2 of the NFL Preseason continuing tonight. This evening’s action features some playoff contenders from 2022 returning to the field, as well as a much-anticipated rookie debut. The first matchup between the Patriots and Texans has the football world hyped up, largely due to No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud being named Houston’s QB1 🔥

• After three incredibly disappointing seasons marred by the Deshaun Watson drama, Houston fans finally have something to be excited about

• Stroud lit up college football last year at OSU, possesses all of the tools to be an elite NFL QB and has already set some lofty goals 👀

While making the playoffs (+520) seems highly unlikely for a team clearly still in the rebuilding stage, Stroud is certainly a solid bet for OROY honors (+850). Houston is desperate for a franchise changer, and the early signs point towards the young QB being up to the task. What better way for the rookie to kick off his career than being thrown into the fire vs the greatest coach of all time? 🐐

• Belichick’s Patriots will be looking to prove that last year’s coaching debacle is in the rearview mirror. With his former college OC Bill O’Brien now in New England, Mac Jones should have a much better chance to succeed

• However, it will be the young QB turning heads in Houston who most fans will be tuning in to see 👇

Despite the buzz surrounding Stroud, tonight’s second matchup still offers plenty of intrigue. After entering last season as an afterthought following the Russell Wilson trade, the Seahawks shocked the world by marching all the way to the playoffs behind an elite season from journeyman QB Geno Smith. Smith was rewarded with a lucrative three-year, $75M contract plus a large signing bonus 🤑

• Geno is entering this year looking to prove that last season was no fluke, starting with tonight’s matchup vs. Minnesota

• His dynamic connection with monster receiver DK Metcalf already looks to be in midseason form 💪

The Seahawks’ opponent has experienced a great deal of flux this offseason. WR Adam Thielen and RB Dalvin Cook, both mainstays in the offense for years, will not be suiting up in Minnesota purple this season. Fortunately for the Vikings, they possess an offense unto himself in Justin Jefferson, who was just voted the No. 2 player in the NFL by his peers 🔥

• Jefferson has set a bevy of receiving records in his first three seasons (324 catches, 4825 yards, 25 TDs, 649 fpts)

• With Thielen’s departure, JJJ undoubtedly has his sights set on Calvin Johnson’s single season receiving yards record 👀

Games kick off tonight at 7and 10PM EST, with the Texans game being a rare preseason opportunity to see some QB1 play. 28 days until Week 1 is here 🙌

Trivia Question: Justin Jefferson has the most receiving yards of any player in his first three seasons. Who ranks No. 2?

For My Parlay Gurus

I think Stroud has the skill and leadership to turn the ship in Houston around, but it will be a slow process. Look for a Patriots win tonight, coupled with a Minnesota W to kick off a potential MVP campaign for Justin Jefferson. Take a look 👇

• Patriots +3.5 vs. Texans: -110

• Vikings +4.5 @ Seahawks: -110

$100 on this bet would win you $264 — if we hit, make sure you email [email protected] for a chance to win up to $100*. Many will enter, only some will win 😉

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Trivia Answer: No. 2 is another legendary Minnesota receiver, the iconic Randy Moss

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