Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson is a top-five option when he gets back on the field after his six-game suspension.

He was exactly that from 2019-2020, and there is no reason to think the 26-year-old won't pick up where he left off. During his last season of play, Watson led the NFL in passing yards and yards per attempt (8.9).

Considering some best ball leagues are won in November/December, not September, he's worth stashing if you opt to wait on the quarterback position.

With an 11 game suspension I would not draft him but if you wait on a QB and stream the position you can pick him up for a playoff run.

8/3: Up-and-down we go. Now the NFL Appeals & will push for season-long suspension, most expect it to stick. I'm ranking as if Watson won't play in 2022 until told otherwise - wish is a huge downgrade for Cooper, Njoku, Chubb, Hunt, everyone. Avoid CLE.

8/1: The ruling is in: 6 games. As absurd as that is, it gives Watson a whole lot more draftability now & greatly raises the ceiling of all the main pass-catchers for the last 2/3rds of the season (Cooper, DPJ, Njoku), while boosting the upside of the run-game as a whole



7/19: Latest reports suggest the lengthiest suspension Watson could face is 8 games, with as low as 2 a possibility. He becomes a significantly more attractive late round piece & elevates all Browns with him

Outside of the suspension, Watson is playing with the best O-Line in football once he returns.

We don't know what sort of discipline Watson might face after nearly two dozen civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behavior. What we do know is that in three full seasons as the Texans' starter, Watson finished QB4, QB5 and QB5 in fantasy scoring. The only QB who can match Watson's combination of passing and rushing ability is Josh Allen. Watson will now be helming a Browns offense that was run-heavy with Baker Mayfield at quarterback but should be more freewheeling in 2022. The change of scenery, a possible suspension and the accumulation of rust after a year off are all concerns, but Watson is still a difference-maker at the QB position.