Where does C.J. Stroud land in Chris Simms’ QB rankings?

Few quarterbacks came close to matching Houston Texans rookie C.J. Stroud last season. Keep in mind, that was only Year 1 in the pros, too.

Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, could take off in 2024. He could win the league MVP, much to no one’s surprise. He could be the x-factor as to why Houston advances past the AFC Divisional Round for the first time in franchise history.

Everything the Texans envisioned in Stroud lived up to the hype last season. He’s gearing up for another dominant year with a trio of talented receivers, tight end Dalton Schultz and an upgrade at running back in Joe Mixon.

If that’s not enough, Stroud will also have another season working in Bobby Slowik’s offense, the same one that helped him secure over 4,000 passing yards and a division title as a first-year starter.

But where does the NFL’s biggest riser under center rank among NFL’s best gunslingers? NBC Sports’ Chris Simms provided his rankings of his top 40 quarterbacks entering 2024.

Here is the full list of Simms’ top 40 quarterbacks:

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 18: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass against the Houston Texans during the first half of the game at NRG Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

(Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports)

Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 12: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Paycor Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Sep 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up prior to the game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 31: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks to throw the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 20:…