Ever since being drafted in 2017, Deshaun Watson has enamored us with his passing and mobility. everyone has wondered whether Watson could replicate his college success against Nick Saban at Clemson. Despite this, Watson has dealt with injuries and off-the-field issues. Fans and fantasy managers demand more from a franchise quarterback.
After a blockbuster trade from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns, Watson was suspended the first 11 games last year. In Watson’s six starts, he threw for 1,102 yards and seven touchdowns.
Unlike Watson’s previous home inside Houston’s NRG Stadium, the Browns play home outdoor games. Five of Watson’s six games took place outside during December and January. Cleveland’s Week 16 loss to the New Orleans was particularly brutal for fantasy players looking for Watson and the Browns.
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Watson is working with Stefanski knowing he will start Week 1. Watson also leads an offense, which can score points. Nick Chubb rushed for more than 1,500 yards. Amari Cooper proved he could play outdoors with 1,160 receiving yards and a career-high nine touchdowns. Donovan Peoples-Jones has flashed his big-play threat. David Njoku is an underrated tight end. The Browns also added former New York Jet Elijah Moore.
Watson has showcased his fantasy upside in the past. In 2020, Watson’s last full season, the former Clemson star led the NFL in passing yards while also throwing 33 touchdowns. Watson was Houston’s lone rocket over a 4-12 2020 season.
The AFC is full of talented quarterbacks. In a crowded AFC North with Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals, Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens, and Kenny Pickett’s Pittsburgh Steelers, Watson will be asked to carry the Browns in one of the AFC’s toughest divisions.
The Browns have gone thru 36 different starting quarterbacks since 1999. Watson could give Cleveland its first long-term passer since Bernie Kosar.
Watson is still a likely top-10 quarterback pick. Watson’s passing and rushing will intrigue league managers. With drafts coming thick and fast over the next two weekends before the Week 1 season-openers, Watson is a name many managers will consider drafting.
Despite a late 2022, Watson can give his fantasy owners plenty of hope. This fantasy season, clicking Deshaun Watson’s name could be a draft delight.
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