Based on preseason ADP, Deshaun Watson was undraftable in most fantasy leagues. Now he's the QB10. Is he for real, or will he prove doubters wrong?
The case for Watson remaining fantasy relevant has two parts. First, his skill players are collectively more talented than they were two years ago, when he was last on the field. High-priced rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion are acclimating quickly, Harold Fannin Jr. has established himself as a high-upside tight end, and Quinshon Judkins is seeing more action as a safety valve through the air (three catches per game).
Meanwhile, Watson has four TD passes and zero interceptions in his last two games—something he last did in 2020 while playing for the Texans. His 45 rushing yards last week tied
his highest output since 2020, and his 11 rushing attempts in that same game marked his highest total since 2018.
In other words, Watson is objectively playing at a higher level than we're accustomed to seeing since he joined the Browns.
But there are warning signs. Two late-fourth-quarter comebacks separate the 2-1 Browns from being 0-3. Those two wins came against the Bucs' and Panthers' subpar defenses. His one tough opponent (the Jaguars in Week 1) led to disastrous results that raised serious questions about Watson's long-term playability.
Today's Thursday Night Football matchup against the Steelers will help fantasy managers determine whether Watson can be at least a serviceable streamer for the foreseeable future. If he thrives, then he might be one of the most-added guys off waivers next week. If he significantly regresses and Cleveland loses, we might hear rumblings of a "when," not "if," quarterback change later this year.
For more insights on Watson's rest-of-season fantasy value, listen to today's podcast.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: For real or forget? Deshaun Watson fantasy value entering Week 4
