Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns Uncertain Future in Super Flex Leagues

2024 NFL Fantasy Football: Evaluating Deshaun Watson with the Cleveland Browns

Deshaun Watson: A Risky Late-Round Gamble

Watson’s fantasy football value has taken a nosedive over the past couple of years, leaving many managers hesitant to draft him even in superflex leagues. Once considered an elite fantasy quarterback, Watson’s year-long absence from football in 2022 and his subsequent struggles with the Browns have left him far from the reliable option he used to be. The 2024 season presents Watson with a chance at redemption, but fantasy managers are understandably wary.

If you’re considering Watson as a late-round flyer, it’s important to weigh the potential upside against the significant risks. He’s not the quarterback he was with the Houston Texans, and rumors of him being uncomfortable with competition from backup quarterbacks only add to the concerns. While those rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, they still contribute to the overall uncertainty surrounding Watson’s mental and emotional state heading into the season.

Watson’s Fantasy Outlook: Is There Any Upside Left?

From a fantasy perspective, Watson’s ceiling is significantly lower than it once was. His accuracy, decision-making, and overall performance with the Browns have been inconsistent at best. This is a far cry from the player who used to be a top-tier fantasy quarterback. When considering where to draft Watson, if at all, the late rounds are where he belongs. In superflex leagues, Watson might be a consideration as your QB3 or a last-resort QB2 if you’ve decided to wait on quarterbacks or if you’re in a deep league.

Comparing Watson to other quarterbacks around the same draft range, such as Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks and Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s clear that he’s not the safest pick. Smith and Mayfield offer more stability, with Smith coming off a surprisingly strong season and Mayfield surrounded by solid weapons in Tampa Bay. Watson’s only advantage might be his potential for a comeback, but that’s a big “if” that many fantasy managers aren’t willing to bet on.

Betting Insights: Deshaun Watson’s Season-Long and Weekly Props

When it comes to betting on Watson, the market reflects his fall from grace. Season-long prop bets on Watson’s passing yards or touchdowns are likely to be set at modest totals, reflecting his uncertain status as a starting quarterback. If you’re considering these bets, it’s wise to approach with caution. Betting the under on Watson’s season-long stats might be the safer play, especially if you believe his struggles will continue, or if there’s a chance he could be benched at some point during the season.

For weekly prop bets, Watson could offer value in the right matchups, particularly against weaker defenses where he might have a chance to regain some of his old form. However, until he shows consistent improvement on the field, it’s difficult to confidently bet on Watson to hit higher statistical marks week in and week out.

Comparing Watson to Late-Round Quarterbacks

In superflex leagues, Watson is a borderline QB2/3 option at best. If you’re choosing between Watson and other late-round quarterbacks like Daniel Jones of the New York Giants or Will Levis of the Tennessee Titans, it’s important to consider the risk/reward balance. Jones offers rushing upside, which gives him a safer floor, while Levis is more of an unknown quantity with potential for growth. Watson, on the other hand, is a gamble based on past performance rather than current ability.

If you’re in a deep league or a superflex format, and you’ve waited until the late rounds to draft your second or third quarterback, Watson could be worth a shot purely for the potential that he might find some of his old magic. However, don’t draft him expecting a return to his Houston form—he’s a high-risk, low-reward player at this point in his career.

Final Thoughts: Drafting Deshaun Watson—A Cautionary Tale

Watson’s 2024 fantasy football outlook is clouded with uncertainty. While there’s a slim chance that he could bounce back and become a serviceable fantasy quarterback, the risks associated with drafting him are significant. In most cases, it’s better to opt for a more stable option like Smith or even take a flyer on a younger quarterback with upside.

Watson’s decline has been stark, and unless you’re willing to embrace the volatility that comes with drafting him, it might be best to let someone else take that gamble. If you do decide to roll the dice on Watson, make sure you have a solid plan in place for when or if he falters during the season.

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