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Yahoo Sports NFL fantasy football takes on Deshaun Watson
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Yahoo Sports NFL about Deshaun Watson.
80
Insights
7
Positive
63
Negative
Insight ledger
All Yahoo Sports NFL insights about Deshaun Watson
NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
Watson's Week 1 performance (16-of-22, 205 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 6 carries, 38 yards, 1 fumble) reflects ongoing concerns about turnover-proneness and inability to put points on the board. Despite a few positives (deep ball accuracy in garbage time, willingness to run post-Achilles injuries), the source emphasizes this is year four of Watson with the Browns and fans are fatigued with cherry-picking highlights; the fundamental issue is Watson has proven too turnover-prone and ineffective at scoring.PositiveProjectionSep 15, 2026
Despite negative chatter after Week 1, Watson showed explosive playmaking metrics: completed 16-of-22 pass attempts, averaged 9.3 yards per attempt (fifth-highest Week 1 mark), and demonstrated evasion ability with 38 rush yards on six attempts (team high in yards per carry). Browns head coach Todd Monken confirmed seeing great things on film with statistical evidence to support continued success.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
The Browns offense looked brutal with Deshaun Watson under center behind a subpar offensive line in Week 1, prompting the source to recommend targeting the Browns with opposing defenses until they force otherwise.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
Watson's Week 1 performance against Jacksonville was poor despite counting stats of 205 yards on 72% completions with 1 TD and 1 INT; the source states 'this guy STINKS' and notes the clock is ticking on his tenure as the Browns' starter, with the team potentially moving to Shedeur Sanders soon, though head coach Todd Monken has committed to Watson for Week 2 against Tampa Bay.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
The source notes that the Browns' ability to be competitive against the Buccaneers on Sunday will be unlikely if Deshaun Watson does not play better at quarterback; this follows Cleveland's 34-10 loss to Jacksonville where the offense struggled significantly.NegativeMatchupSep 15, 2026
Deshaun Watson was sacked five times by the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 and forced two turnovers; Denver's offense was out of sync against Kansas City, setting up the Jaguars for another strong defensive performance in Week 2.NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026
Todd Monken has announced Watson will start in Week 2 for Cleveland; Palmer notes this is Year Four of the Watson era and signals another hopeless season for the Browns, with Monken's job security deteriorating with every game Watson starts, creating uncertainty around the quarterback's fantasy viability and the franchise's direction.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
Deshaun Watson's season-opening performance was one to forget; while his final numbers might appear acceptable, the source notes he was at his worst when the game got closer, raising concerns about his ability to perform in tight situations despite the Browns' young talent.NegativeMatchupSep 15, 2026
The source notes that despite Deshaun Watson's overall numbers in Week 1, the game was well out of hand before the Browns offense did anything of note, suggesting his performance was inflated by garbage time.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Monken distributed blame for the Week 1 offensive collapse across coaching and personnel, stating 'We got to play better around him, we got to call it better, and he's got to play better,' and emphasized that the offense's inability to function consistently was a team issue rather than solely Watson's responsibility.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Browns head coach Todd Monken confirmed Watson will remain the starter in Week 2 against Tampa Bay despite the poor Week 1 performance. Monken cited Watson's limited reps (only two weeks of full practice) and positive film elements as reasons to continue with him, noting that when Watson had time and understood concepts, he played decisively rather than tentatively, and that his garbage-time touchdown showed good communication with his receiver.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards with one touchdown and one interception in Week 1 against Jacksonville; through three quarters he had only 11 completions for 100 yards and an interception as the Jaguars built a 34-3 lead. This marked his first start since October 20, 2024, and fell well short of Browns expectations for his return.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
HC Todd Monken committed to Watson as starting QB despite a poor Week 1 performance against Jacksonville, stating "They don't have a choice; this isn't a debate." This represents a shift from Monken's April stance that "players decide who plays" and "who does the team believe in" correlates with performance. The source notes Watson's film told a pessimistic story to fans and media, though Monken saw optimism; Monken's forced backing of Watson amid roster skepticism and poor play magnifies scrutiny on both the offense and Watson's performance.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Head coach Todd Monken confirmed Watson will start Week 2 against Tampa Bay despite a 34-10 Week 1 loss. Monken said there were "really good things on film" to build on; Watson completed 16-of-22 for 205 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. Monken emphasized that when Watson had time and understood concepts, "he didn't play tentative, that he let it rip," and highlighted a TD pass to Denzel Boston on their No. 1 corner as evidence of good communication. Monken attributed offensive struggles to coaching and execution rather than Watson's play, noting the team had "too many Browns hurting Browns moments" and that Watson is "only going to continue to get better."NegativeBustSep 14, 2026
Watson has been a bust on the field since the Browns traded for him in 2022, struggling with poor play and injuries throughout his entire Browns tenure. A three-time Pro Bowler with Houston, his time as Cleveland's starter appeared finished in 2024, but the team's failure to upgrade the quarterback room resulted in him getting the starting job again for at least the first two weeks of the 2025 season.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Watson beat out second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders for the starting job in preseason and started Week 1, marking his first NFL game action since the 2024 season when injuries and poor play derailed his career. The Browns did not improve their quarterback room in the offseason, leaving head coach Todd Monken to choose between Watson and Sanders as starter.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Watson started Week 2 against Tampa Bay after a poor Week 1 performance against Jacksonville in which he completed 16-of-22 passes for 205 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, and 1 fumble while taking five sacks in a 34-10 loss. Despite the struggles, head coach Todd Monken retained Watson as starter, citing positive film review elements and belief that Watson will improve with more reps and practice time.NegativeBustSep 14, 2026
Watson is cited as part of the Browns' quarterback situation in the source's overreaction that the Browns are the worst team in football. The source states 'Deshaun Watson, Shadeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, or Taylen Green- it won't matter. The Browns are in bad shape' and notes that without Myles Garrett, the team has big problems and is well on its way to the No. 1 pick next April.NegativeBustSep 14, 2026
Watson had a disastrous Week 1 performance against Jacksonville, throwing multiple interceptions including one described as 'perfect timing for the defense.' The source uses harsh language to criticize his play, stating 'This dude flat out sucks,' and references his ongoing struggles.NegativeUsageSep 14, 2026
Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland offense struggled to generate production in Week 1, with the Browns falling 34-10 to Jacksonville as the Jaguars built a commanding lead.NegativeBustSep 14, 2026
Deshaun Watson had a disastrous Week 1 performance in the Browns offense; the source notes that a poor season debut might be all it takes to write the book on his run as the Browns' starting quarterback, suggesting his Week 1 performance was particularly concerning.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Watson's Week 1 performance is cited as a potential indicator of the Browns' season trajectory; fans are blaming the quarterback alongside head coach Todd Monken, defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, and GM Andrew Berry for the team's struggles, suggesting his play may be a factor in Cleveland's draft positioning outlook.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
The source notes that while Watson's stats looked fine in the Browns' Week 1 loss to Jacksonville, film review revealed significant issues: he held the ball too long, lacked decisiveness, and showed poor drive on deep throws. Watson tends to take what the defense gives him rather than taking deep shots downfield, which limits an offense already operating with a low ceiling.NegativeMatchupSep 14, 2026
Watson and the Browns were 'never competitive' at Jacksonville in Week 1, going 1-for-8 on third downs in a game where the Jaguars built a 31-0 lead early in the second half. Watson did throw a 46-yard TD pass to David Boston in garbage time, but the source frames the overall performance as a significant underperformance.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Watson threw an interception on the fifth play from scrimmage in Week 1 and failed to improve from there. The source characterizes him as 'somehow managing to be both tentative and reckless,' continuing to impede offensive progress despite the Browns' young offensive pieces. After one week, the team already looks to be at a breaking point, with fans expressing legitimate unrest over clinging to Watson as a palatable starter in his fifth year in Cleveland.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Watson threw an interception on the fifth play from scrimmage in Cleveland's 34-10 Week 1 loss to Jacksonville and didn't pick things up from there, somehow managing to be both tentative and reckless; the quarterback continues to impede any sense of progress that an offense rife with young pieces might otherwise make, with the Browns already looking to be at a breaking point after just one week.NegativeBustSep 14, 2026
Watson was unforgivably bad for the most part in Cleveland's 34-10 loss to Jacksonville, according to the source. The source attributes the Browns' continued commitment to Watson to the sunk cost fallacy tied to his impossible contract rather than on-field performance, noting that Watson's play has been so poor that the locker room could be lost if the situation is not addressed.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Watson played poorly in Week 1, which impacts the fantasy outlook for Browns skill position players like Quinshon Judkins. The source notes that Watson's inability to add value with his legs limits the potential floor for the Browns' running back, and his poor play contributed to the game getting out of hand quickly.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
The source states that DeShaun Watson is terrible and the Browns present zero offensive potential with him at quarterback. While acknowledging it's his first start in over a year, the source emphasizes that no matter how much talent the young players have, they have no path to production in the current situation. Late garbage-time touchdowns do not spell actual offensive competence.NegativeBustSep 14, 2026
Deshaun Watson did not perform well in Week 1, contrasted with the strong performances of Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen in their season openers.NegativeBustSep 14, 2026
The source expresses frustration with first-year Browns coach Todd Monken's decision to keep Deshaun Watson on the field after Cleveland's 34-10 loss to Jacksonville, questioning how much columnists and fans must 'scream until you guys put Deshaun Watson on the bench' and sarcastically noting 'Forever?' in response to the quarterback's continued starting role despite poor performance.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Watson was dreadful for most of the game. He threw an interception to LB Foyesade Oluokun on the Browns' first possession after a promising drive, was nearly picked off again on a third-and-six attempting to hit TE Harold Fannin, fumbled (recovered) on a third-and-10, threw a lame duck deep pass to WR KC Concepcion in the second quarter, and struggled throughout. His only bright spot was a TD pass to Boston with 1:52 left in the game.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Watson took his first regular season snaps since Oct. 20, 2024, in Week 1 against Jacksonville and performed poorly: intercepted once, sacked five times in a 34-10 loss. He had an uneven preseason as well, raising questions about whether backup Shedeur Sanders should take over.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Watson had 91 passing yards at halftime of the Browns' 34-10 Week 1 loss to Jacksonville, with his first drive ending in an interception. The source states 'he is not a viable starting NFL quarterback anymore' and notes the stark contrast with Trevor Lawrence, who had three first-half touchdowns and 182 yards (91 more than Watson at halftime). Watson did throw a deep touchdown to Denzel Boston late in the game, but it came with 1:52 left in a 34-3 game.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Watson's poor Week 1 performance against Jacksonville—where the Jaguars loaded the box and brought run blitzes—raised questions about his ability to execute in the offense. Despite the poor play, head coach Todd Monken defended Watson's performance in a way that didn't seem to fit what fans and media saw on the field, suggesting Watson will remain the starter unless physically unable to play or his teammates turn on him.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Watson's Week 1 return from torn Achilles was uneven; he threw an interception on his third pass attempt, completed 16-of-22 (72.7%), posted 205 passing yards, 9.3 yards per attempt, one touchdown, and a 97.7 passer rating in a 34-10 loss to Jacksonville. He took five sacks (20 yards lost) including two consecutive sacks in the red zone on third and fourth down that resulted in a turnover on downs. Watson led Browns rushers with 38 yards on six carries (6.3 yards per carry), but the overall performance did little to silence critics after missing the entire 2025 season following a re-torn Achilles.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Watson completed 16-of-22 for 205 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT with 6 carries for 38 yards and 1 fumble lost. The source notes this was 'just more of the same from Watson'—he cherry-picks positive plays but exhibits recurring issues: never sees the underneath linebacker, often gets lost in traffic, prone to fumbles, and the team has too many delay-of-game issues under his watch. While some of his running was deemed 'OK,' the overall performance reflects persistent patterns from years past.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Watson delivered another empty half of points in the Browns' season-opening 34-10 loss to Jacksonville, setting the tone early with an interception on the team's first drive. He finished 16-of-22 for 205 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT with 6 carries for 38 yards and 1 fumble lost, struggling with decision-making and accuracy throughout the game.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Deshaun Watson's first game since 2024 was disastrous in Cleveland's 34-10 season-opening loss to Jacksonville. He threw an interception to Foyesade Oluokun to end the Browns' opening drive, followed by a near interception that was dropped, and was then strip-sacked (though he recovered the fumble). The source notes that positive play from Watson came only at the end of the game with a 46-yard touchdown pass to rookie Denzel Boston.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Watson threw an interception on Cleveland's opening drive against Jacksonville, setting the tone for a 34-10 Jaguars rout. He finished 16 of 22 for 205 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 fumble, and 5 sacks. His lone touchdown came in the final two minutes when the game was already lost. The source notes his effort 'left much to be desired' compared to Trevor Lawrence's standout performance, and concerns about another difficult season in Cleveland are 'amped up to full volume.'NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Watson's 2026 season debut was disastrous: 8 for 12 for 75 yards with 1 interception, 1 fumble, and 2 sacks in the first half alone against Jacksonville. He threw an interception on the Browns' opening drive—his third pass of the season and third since 2024—when he failed to see Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun lurking in underneath coverage on a curl route to Jerry Jeudy. Two possessions later, Watson fumbled while being sacked as Jacksonville built a 14-0 lead. The source notes Watson's career was derailed in 2024 by injury and poor play, and he hadn't played an NFL snap until this game, making his turnover-prone start a major concern for his fantasy outlook and job security.NegativeRoleSep 13, 2026
Watson won the Browns' starting job over second-year Shedeur Sanders despite mixed results from both quarterbacks during training camp and preseason competition under new head coach Todd Monken, who ultimately selected the veteran.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Watson threw an interception on his third pass attempt of the 2026 season in his return from a torn Achilles suffered in Week 7 of 2024, missing all of 2025. The source characterizes the interception as 'terrible,' suggesting early-season rust or accuracy concerns in his comeback.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Watson won the Browns' starting QB job by default after a terrible training camp filled with interceptions and a combative preseason press conference where he chastised home fans for booing him; expectations are extremely low for both Watson and the Browns entering the season. On the Browns' first offensive possession, Watson threw an absolutely atrocious interception straight into the waiting arms of Jaguars defensive back Foyesade Oluokun on the fifth play of the season—a bad decision and bad throw that failed to see Oluokun lurking to break up the route. The source states Watson doesn't even deserve to be in the league anymore and definitely isn't a starting caliber quarterback, predicting it will be a long season for the Browns.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Watson was one of the worst quarterbacks in the league when he last played in 2024 and has picked up where he left off; he tossed an interception on Cleveland's first drive of the season when attempting a downfield pass to Jerry Jeudy on the left side, which was intercepted by linebacker Foyesade Oluokun.NegativeRoleSep 13, 2026
Despite the Cleveland Browns being stuck with Deshaun Watson as their quarterback heading into the regular season, only 55% of fans express confidence in the team's direction, and 76% of the fanbase predicts a Week 1 loss to Jacksonville; Watson's presence appears to be a limiting factor in fan optimism about the team's trajectory.NegativeRoleSep 13, 2026
The Browns are described as being 'stuck with Deshaun Watson as their quarterback,' reflecting fan and media skepticism about the quarterback situation despite the team's overall direction receiving 55% fan confidence heading into Week 1 against Jacksonville.NegativeProjectionSep 12, 2026
The source ranks the Cleveland Browns twenty-eighth and criticizes Deshaun Watson's contract as the worst in sports history. The source states: 'The worst QB situation in the league by far. The Deshaun Watson contract is the worst in the history of sports. Not the NFL. Sports.' This represents an extremely negative assessment of Watson's value and impact on the Browns.NegativeRoleSep 12, 2026
Watson is the starter for the Browns and remains untradeable due to his contract. While the other quarterbacks in the room have been subjects of trade speculation, Watson's position is secure as the franchise's primary option at the position.PositiveMatchupSep 11, 2026
Watson has been on the winning side in all seven of his career starts against the Jaguars, providing a strong historical edge in this Week 1 matchup.NegativeProjectionSep 11, 2026
Watson returns to start for the first time since October 2024 after an extended absence; his role stability remains uncertain. He has posted a QBR of 33.1 since joining the Browns, which would rank at the bottom of the league if he qualified, per ESPN.NegativeBustSep 11, 2026
The source predicts Watson will commit multiple turnovers against Jacksonville. The prediction is grounded in the Jaguars' defensive scheme shift under Anthony Campanile, which emphasizes match concepts with man principles to exploit athletic cover skills. The Jaguars defense is described as 'eager' to 'hunt down bigger game' and will 'attack this lame duck of a Week 1 opposing quarterback with full intensity,' with a game plan that states '1) Stop the run. 2) Wreck their shit.' Watson's inability to operate behind a weak offensive line against a superior defensive line creates the turnover risk.NegativeProjectionSep 11, 2026
Watson's passing over/unders on FanDuel are set at 178.5 yards and 0.5 touchdowns against Jacksonville in Week 1. The source characterizes today's version of Watson as not the same quarterback who once led the NFL in passing yards, noting he is a 'lame duck' facing an aggressive Jaguars defense that will 'attack this lame duck of a Week 1 opposing quarterback with full intensity.' The biggest mismatch of the game is identified as Jaguars DL > Browns OL, limiting Watson's ability to operate effectively.NegativeProjectionSep 11, 2026
Declan Doyle didn't rank Watson in the top 50 last year and doesn't think he's one of Cleveland's two best QBs, but Cleveland will start him anyway; Doyle doesn't expect it to go well; ranked 41st.PositiveProjectionSep 11, 2026
Barry Shuck projects a strong season for Deshaun Watson and the Browns offense, drawing comparisons to late-career resurgences by Michael Vick, Randall Cunningham, and Brett Favre; however, this optimism is contingent on the offensive line holding up and the new offensive scheme succeeding.NegativeProjectionSep 11, 2026
The source expresses low expectations for Watson, noting he doesn't have high hopes for him. However, the source acknowledges Watson has looked better than the low bar he set in past years, though preseason blunders suggest he can still make costly mistakes that turn games around negatively.NegativeProjectionSep 11, 2026
Watson is in his fifth and final year of a $250-million contract with Cleveland and has become synonymous with the term 'bust' in the NFL. The source expresses severe doubt about his ability to turn it around, noting he has 'continuously sink[n] further below the bar of what is deemed acceptable of a NFL quarterback' and has become a pariah in his own stadium due to open detest of the team's supporters. Despite being a highly paid veteran, he barely won the starting job over second-year QB Shedeur Sanders. The source states 'This year will be his last chance to turn it all around and prove to everyone that he can still be a competent NFL professional, but I sincerely doubt it.'NegativeRoleSep 11, 2026
Deshaun Watson is the incumbent starting quarterback for the Browns but faces competition from Shedeur Sanders. Chris Pokorny of Dawgs by Nature characterizes Watson as 'continuing to be a liability' and notes that the quarterback position 'might continue to hold them back from being a playoff team.' Pokorny suggests a successful 2026 season would involve clarity on the QB situation, which could mean confirming Watson's inadequacy and using draft assets for a 2027 quarterback.NegativeRoleSep 10, 2026
Watson will be an issue for the Browns against Jacksonville's improved defense; the Browns have shakier support around Watson and now a defense that will fall apart without Garrett, limiting his offensive weapons and team strength.NegativeMatchupSep 10, 2026
Watson faces a Jacksonville defense that ranked third in the NFL with a plus-13 turnover margin last season; he will be the focus of the matchup as the Browns' starting quarterback against an improved Jaguars defense.NegativeProjectionSep 10, 2026
Starting quarterback for the 2026 Browns; the source characterizes the decision as unpopular and notes Watson hasn't been available consistently and his play hasn't approached his Houston Texans level when healthy. The source identifies the lack of a clear QB answer as a major hamper on offensive expectations, with the passing game uncertainty forcing the team to emphasize the running game and allowing defenses to load the box.NegativeProjectionSep 10, 2026
Deshaun Watson is set for his first start since the 2024 season after 22 months away from NFL action. He holds a perfect career record against Jacksonville (8-0), though the source notes that translating that historical success to his return game is complicated despite the favorable matchup.PositiveProjectionSep 9, 2026
Watson views the 2026 season as his opportunity to prove he can still play in the league at year 10 of his career. He stated: "Me being in my last year of my deal, and being year 10, I feel like this is my opportunity to get up there and go and showcase that I can still play in this league. And I want to continue to play in this league." His focus is on controlling the moments and opportunities available to him now.NegativeRoleSep 9, 2026
Watson will start for the Browns in the season opener Sunday, but nothing is promised to him beyond that game. His fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million contract expires after this season, making this a prove-it year where he must demonstrate he can still perform at an elite level.NegativeInjurySep 9, 2026
Watson has not played since Oct. 7, 2024, when he initially tore his right Achilles; he missed all of 2025 after tearing his right Achilles a second time and requiring another surgery in January 2025. He has played only 19 games over the past five seasons because of suspension and injury.PositiveProjectionSep 9, 2026
The source backs the Browns in Week 1 despite Watson's poor preseason finale against Buffalo (5-of-12, 36 yards, one interception), noting he played with backups in that game. The previous week at Chicago, Watson was 11-of-15 for 126 yards. The source trusts Watson on the road in Week 1 against Jacksonville's solid defense more than alternative options, citing his prior performance with starters and road experience.NegativeValueSep 9, 2026
Deshaun Watson ranks 33rd among quarterbacks in rest-of-season trade value with a QB1 value of 0, placing him in the lowest tier of trade assets.NegativeProjectionSep 9, 2026
The source predicts Deshaun Watson will be benched for Shedeur Sanders within 5.5 starts, citing financial reasons for his continued playing time; the source is openly critical of Watson, stating his future in football is cooked and questioning why the team doesn't bench him immediately to accelerate the transition.NegativeRoleSep 9, 2026
Deshaun Watson is making his first regular-season start since 2024 behind an offensive line featuring rookie left tackle Spencer Fano, who draws Josh Hines-Allen in his NFL debut; this creates a significant disadvantage for Cleveland in Week 1 against Jacksonville.NegativeMatchupSep 9, 2026
Deshaun Watson and the Browns face a difficult Week 1 road matchup against the Jaguars at home, a disadvantageous spot for Cleveland's quarterback despite the team's defensive talent.NegativeRoleSep 9, 2026
Deshaun Watson gets a two-game audition in Florida with the Browns against the Jaguars in Week 1, with the goal of doing enough to get Cleveland to accept him for Week 3 and Week 4.NegativeProjectionSep 9, 2026
Watson was the NFL's least efficient passer through Week 7 of 2024 before rupturing his right Achilles tendon; he subsequently re-ruptured the same Achilles tendon just months after surgery. The source characterizes him as 'one of the worst players in the National Football League,' marking a stark decline from his prior status as the obvious successor to Andrew Luck in the AFC South.NegativeRoleSep 9, 2026
Deshaun Watson will make his first regular-season start since 2024 in Week 1 against Jacksonville, giving new Browns offensive coordinator Todd Monken his first opportunity to showcase what the offense can look like with the team's new, young talent.NegativeRoleSep 9, 2026
Watson is named the Browns' Week 1 starter after playing horribly and alienating the fanbase in the preseason; a $230m albatross coming off multiple achilles tears would have been a risky first choice even if he'd been playing well before getting hurt; the Browns' decision to roster three other quarterbacks, including Dillon Gabriel on injured reserve, feels prescient.NegativeProjectionSep 8, 2026
Deshaun Watson's future with the Browns is in question; the source raises the question of when the team will move on from Watson.NegativeRoleSep 8, 2026
Deshaun Watson is the Browns' starting QB, and the source expresses skepticism about his ability to lead the team, rhetorically questioning 'Deshaun Watson as the starter? Really?' in the context of the Jaguars being favored to win the AFC South. The source's tone suggests doubt about Watson's effectiveness.NegativeProjectionSep 8, 2026
Watson is given a two-game audition with the Browns, with the source suggesting his performance likely won't be good enough to get him to Week 3.NegativeDepth ChartSep 8, 2026
Deshaun Watson is the starting quarterback for the Browns heading into the regular season, with the QB2 role in question between Shedeur Sanders and Taylen Green.NegativeRoleSep 8, 2026
Starting quarterback for the Browns; the source characterizes the situation surrounding Watson as 'a mess' and notes he was booed by his own fans during pre-season; the trade and contract are described as potentially 'the worst trade (and contract) in NFL history,' and his presence will do little to improve the team's prospects.NegativeProjectionSep 8, 2026
The source projects the Cleveland Browns to have the worst record in the NFL, with multiple analysts citing Deshaun Watson as a major problem. Rob Staton calls the 'situation surrounding Deshaun Watson is a mess, and it's frankly incredible he's still in the league.' Hugh Ferris adds that Watson 'will do little other than prove one more time that it might have been the worst trade (and contract) in NFL history.'