Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson’s standout performance in week 10, securing a close win in Baltimore, was followed by his placement on the IR, marking the end of his season. Watson, grappling with injuries since week 4, recently suffered a high ankle sprain and a rare shoulder fracture, necessitating immediate surgery.

The Browns face a challenging situation with their backup quarterbacks, both rookies and veterans, having struggled. Despite a shaky start by Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR), he is set to regain control of the offense, backed up by PJ Walker. Coach Kevin Stefanski believes in the potential growth of rookies, explaining DTR’s reinstatement.

While betting markets suggest unlikely scenarios like Tom Brady joining the Browns, the team, despite quarterback challenges, remains a formidable force in team football. However, the impact on fantasy is evident, with Amari Cooper experiencing a significant drop in points per game without Watson. Elijah Moore’s inconsistency also continues, highlighting the struggles of the Browns’ offense without their star quarterback.

Notably, David Njoku remains a consistent fantasy performer, retaining TE1 status. Until the backup quarterbacks demonstrate competence, caution is advised in starting both Cooper and Moore, who receive substantial downgrades in Watson’s absence. Cooper may serve as a boom-bust flex option, but expectations should be tempered.

The Deshaun Watson injury saga appears to be nearing its conclusion. Despite a series of setbacks since week 4, there’s growing optimism that he’s fully recovered from the shoulder injury that sidelined him. Browns’ head coach, Kevin Stefanski, unequivocally named Watson as the starter for week 9.

In past weeks, Watson either practiced and was later ruled out or played briefly before being knocked out. However, this week signals a notable shift, as Watson seems more recovered, displaying improved throwing in practice reminiscent of his preseason performance. His injury seems like a thing of the past, and his receiving teammates eagerly anticipate his return.

While Watson’s passing performance this year hasn’t been exceptional, the replacements, PJ Walker and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, have been notably inferior. Although the upcoming match against the Cardinals isn’t particularly challenging, the Cardinals have recently limited opposing QB fantasy points. Looking forward, the return of Watson bodes well for the Browns players, but caution is advised for fantasy managers in his first week back. Given the limited player pool due to byes and injuries, only Amari Cooper instills some confidence among Browns pass catchers, having performed well in previous full games with Watson. Elijah Moore and David Njoku have yet to yield significant results, lacking touchdowns or surpassing 50 yards with Watson in the lineup.

If necessary, start Cooper, while benching all other wide receivers. As for tight ends, considering the current market, Njoku isn’t the worst choice but far from the optimal one.

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson made his return to action last week after missing the last 2 games for the Browns. The return was not what Browns fans or fantasy managers of Watson or his pass catchers were hoping for. Watson threw an interception early in the contest, and then took a big hit which forced him into the concussion protocol. After clearing the protocol Watson remained sidelined and hopes were that he would be ready to go week 8 Vs Seattle. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski shut down all hopes of that happening declaring Watson OUT for the game.

Watson continues to be a huge disappointment along with his pass catchers. It turns out the shoulder injury Watson suffered is more troubling than initially thought. Even in the game this past weekend against the Colts before Watson left he didn’t look to have much zip on his passes. The Browns are choosing to let him Rehab this week, but there is no guarantee the shoulder injury will heal enough for Watson or the Browns to feel comfortable with playing him in Week 9.

The Browns signed QB PJ Walker to a 1 yr deal this week and it looks like he is the starter until Watson is 100% ready to return. The problem, though, is an indefinite timetable. In the wake of Watsons absence Walker has been able to be a game manager and do enough to win games for the Browns– but unusable in fantasy. The Browns will continue to look towards utilizing a still strong rushing attack and lean on their defense to compete in games. The Browns have averaged 34 pass attempts a game in non-Watson starts. Avoiding Browns pass catchers where you can is the best option even when Watson returns to action as we learned this past weekend.

The Cleveland Browns have been without quarterback Deshaun Watson for 2 games as he was sidelined with a right shoulder injury. He will now make his return week 7 @Indy.

Initially the team had hoped Watson would play in week 4 but a game time decision ruled him out in warmups. Coming out of a bye the team again hoped Watson would play in week 6 against the 49ers but again Watson say out as reports came out he was dealing with right rotator cuff contusion. The Browns surprisingly won the game Vs the 49ers although the offense predictably played poorly. Entering week 7 Watson has been throwing in practice and the offense is ready to continue their upward trend they were on before he exited with the shoulder injury.

With Watson back in the lineup the pass catchers for the Browns all have increased floor and ceiling outcomes. The weeks without Watson saw a precipitous drop in passing efficiency and overall scoring. The Browns scored a total of 20 points without Watson in the lineup, with Watson the Browns were averaging 24.3 points a game. The increase in efficiency means a bounce back is in the making for this entire Browns O that was trending in the right direction before the Watson injury. David Njoku, and Elijah Moore are much safer plays and Amari Cooper is a smash start in this weeks matchup against the Colts secondary. Watson himself had two good games scoring over 20 fantasy points, and one poor showing where he only scored 11.6 fantasy points. It remains to be see whether or not coming off the shoulder injury will Watson opt to run as much as he has this year, but even with a decreased running game usage Watson is a good streaming option at QB as many managers for good reason probably dropped him last week.