Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud demonstrated strong ball security during the regular season, recording eight interceptions and two fumbles in 14 games.
During the wild-card round against the Steelers, Stroud recorded one interception and five fumbles, two of which were recovered by the opposing team, totaling three turnovers. The Texans won the game 30-6.
In the divisional round against the Patriots, Stroud threw four first-half interceptions, bringing his postseason interception total to five. Combined with his five fumbles from the wild-card round, Stroud became the first player in NFL history to accumulate at least five interceptions and five fumbles in a single postseason, according to NFL researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno.
This record was achieved over six quarters of playoff play. The Texans were scheduled to play the Broncos in the AFC Championship game.