Deshaun Watson Fantasy outlook, stats and Week 5 start/sit for 2026
- Age
- 31
- Height / weight
- 6'3", 223 lb
- Experience
- 10th season
2026 Season
- PPR PPG
- 17.2
- Pos rank
- QB1
- Rostered
- 16%
Week 5 at Jets, Sun Oct 11, 1:00 PM ET 24th vs. QBs, tough
Deshaun Watson Fantasy Football Stats & Analysis
Producing as
QB1 · Elite
Scoring rate
17.2 PPG
Played
4 games
Role
Starter
Trend
Stable
Role Direction
| Usage | Season | Last 4 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Att/G | 28.8 | 28.8 | 0% |
| Rush Att/G | 7.8 | 7.8 | 0% |
Deshaun Watson's 2026 Season, Week by Week
4 games played: one top-5 week and three mid-range starts. The next four matchups are a tough stretch ahead.
- Week 2, Win,at TB,19.7,QB12
- Week 3, Win,vs CAR,20.3,QB15
- Week 4, Win,vs PIT,13.9,QB2
- Up next. Week 5, Oct 11,at NYJ,ToughJets vs. QBs
- Week 6, Oct 18,vs BAL,NeutralRavens vs. QBs
- Week 7, Oct 25,at TEN,ToughTitans vs. QBs
- Week 8, Nov 1,at PIT,ToughSteelers vs. QBs
Matchup rank is PPR points allowed to QBs through Week 4. 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Should You Start or Roster Deshaun Watson?
Watson is averaging 17.2 PPR points per game through 4 games, with 855 passing yards, 6 TD and 2 INT, plus 127 rushing yards. That ranks QB1, which makes him a weekly starter in one-QB leagues.
His td rate (6.1%) is in the 73rd percentile among QBs, the best of his efficiency marks; his yards per attempt (7.2) is the weakest, in the 46th. His most-targeted receivers have been KC Concepcion and Harold Fannin.
His best week was QB2 in Week 4 against the Steelers (13.9 points); his worst, QB21 in Week 1 at the Jaguars (15.0). One favorable matchup is ahead: the Texans (9th vs. QBs) in Week 10.
For the season-long call, whether to hold, trade or start him, check where Watson ranks among all QBs in Redraft Command.
What's Driving His Production
Percentile vs. every QB with at least 60 pass attempts in 2026. The line marks the league median.
Completion rate
68.3%62nd percentile, about average
Yards per attempt
7.246th percentile, about average
TD rate
6.1%73rd percentile, above average
Fantasy points per play
0.5258th percentile, about average
Deshaun Watson 2026 Game Log
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | @ Jaguars | L 10–34 | 15.0 | QB21 |
| 2 | @ Buccaneers | W 23–19 | 19.7 | QB12 |
| 3 | vs Panthers | W 21–18 | 20.3 | QB15 |
| 4 | vs Steelers | W 27–24 | 13.9 | QB2 |
| Total | 3–1 | 68.9 | QB1 |
Career Fantasy Stats by Season
| Season | Team | GP | Pass yds | TD | INT | Rush yds | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | CLE | 4 | 855 | 6 | 2 | 127 | 68.9 | 17.2 | — |
| 2024 | CLE | 7 | 1,148 | 5 | 3 | 148 | 79.7 | 11.4 | QB40 |
| 2023 | CLE | 6 | 1,115 | 7 | 4 | 142 | 90.8 | 15.1 | QB35 |
| 2022 | CLE | 6 | 1,102 | 7 | 5 | 175 | 90.6 | 15.1 | QB35 |
| 2020 | HOU | 16 | 4,823 | 33 | 7 | 444 | 368.3 | 23.0 | QB5 |
| Career | 77 | 18,759 | 129 | 50 | 2,269 | 1526.9 | 19.8 |
Rest-of-Season Outlook and Availability
Outlook
The rushing equity that once propped up his ceiling has evaporated, leaving 148 yards and one score on 31 carries in 2024. He enters camp in an open competition for the starting job, drafted around QB32 in single-QB formats where he carries no standalone value. An upgraded receiving corps offers a faint path back, but until the efficiency stabilizes, he is a Superflex dart at best and nothing more. Behind him on the depth chart: Shedeur Sanders. Full outlook
Injury status
Active, no designation
He has not missed a game this season. Career games missed to injury: 49. Injury history
- 2025right ankle18 games
- 2024right ankle11 games
- 2023left anklePlayed through
- 2023right shoulder7 games
QBs like Deshaun Watson
QB1You are hereDeshaun WatsonBrowns17.2 PPG
QB2Aaron RodgersSteelers16.3 PPGDeshaun Watson Fantasy Football FAQ
Should I start Deshaun Watson in Week 5?
Deshaun Watson is a weekly starter in one-QB leagues for Week 5 at the Jets, as the QB1 in PPR points per game this season (17.2 a game). The Jets rank 24th in PPR points allowed to QBs, a tough matchup. Get the start/sit call for Watson.
How many fantasy points is Deshaun Watson averaging in 2026?
Deshaun Watson is averaging 17.2 PPR fantasy points per game in 2026, 68.9 points across 4 games. His last game produced 13.9 points.
Where does Deshaun Watson rank in fantasy football in 2026?
Deshaun Watson ranks QB1 in PPR points per game in 2026 and QB5 in total points, through 4 games. That makes him a weekly starter in one-QB leagues. View his complete season statistics.
Is Deshaun Watson worth rostering in fantasy football?
Yes, in the right league: Deshaun Watson is a weekly starter in superflex and 2QB, 12-team 1QB and 10-team 1QB leagues. He is rostered in 16% of Sleeper leagues.
What is Deshaun Watson's fantasy football role?
Deshaun Watson is the Browns' starting QB, with Shedeur Sanders behind him. He is averaging 28.8 pass attempts and 7.8 carries a game in 2026.
What are Deshaun Watson's upcoming fantasy football matchups?
Deshaun Watson's next three games are Week 5 at the Jets (24th in PPR points allowed to QBs, tough), Week 6 vs. the Ravens (19th in PPR points allowed to QBs, neutral) and Week 7 at the Titans (31st in PPR points allowed to QBs, tough). Zero of them are favorable by points allowed to the position.
How consistent has Deshaun Watson been in fantasy football this season?
Deshaun Watson has finished as a top-12 QB in 2 of his 4 games this season. His weekly scoring has a standard deviation of 3.2 points around his 17.2-point average.
What is Deshaun Watson's fantasy floor and ceiling?
This season Deshaun Watson's floor has been 13.9 PPR points (Week 4, QB2) and his ceiling 20.3 (Week 3, QB15). His median week has been 17.4 points. See Watson's full game log.
Deshaun Watson 2026 Stats
2026 through Week 4 · Cleveland BrownsTouchdowns account for 35% of his fantasy production, so his weekly output leans on volume more than scoring.
Passing
- Yards
- 855
- Comp %
- 69.6%
- TD
- 6
- INT
- 2
80/115 Comp/Att7.4 Y/A101.2 Rating
Rushing
- Yards
- 127
- TD
- 0
31 Att4.1 Y/C
Fantasy (PPR)
- Points
- 68.9
- Pos rank
- QB1
20.3 Best Week 3 vs CAR13.9 Worst Week 4 vs PIT
Advanced Passing Stats
| Stat | 2026 Thru Wk 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | ||
| EPA per play | +0.11 | 60th |
| Success rate | 47.8% | 63rd |
| Completion rate | 69.6% | 77th |
| Yards per attempt | 7.4 | 71st |
| TD rate | 5.2% | 46th |
| Usage | ||
| Pass attempts per game | 28.8 | 46th |
| Style | ||
| Air yards per attempt | 6.6 | 20th |
| Deep-attempt rate | 7.9% | 26th |
| Context | ||
| Completion % over expected | +1.3 | 40th |
| Pressure rate | 18.0% | 86th |
Percentiles: 2026 through Week 4 among 36 qualified QBs. Grey bars describe style, not quality.
Profile: Watson completes a high share of his throws and gains a lot per attempt.
For fantasy: his floor is his volume, 28.8 pass attempts and 7.8 carries a game this season; efficiency decides how much of it becomes points.
Fantasy Points per Game, Every Season
17.2
Fantasy PPG
QB1
Fantasy finish
214
Pass yds/g
1.5
Pass TD/g
Deshaun Watson career stats by season
| Season | GP | Cmp | Att | Pass yds | TD | INT | Rush yds | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026to date | 4 | 80 | 115 | 855 | 6 | 2 | 127 | 68.9 | 17.2 | QB1 |
| 2024 | 7 | 137 | 216 | 1,148 | 5 | 3 | 148 | 79.7 | 11.4 | QB40 |
| 2023 | 6 | 105 | 171 | 1,115 | 7 | 4 | 142 | 90.8 | 15.1 | QB35 |
| 2022 | 6 | 99 | 170 | 1,102 | 7 | 5 | 175 | 90.6 | 15.1 | QB35 |
| 2020 | 16 | 382 | 544 | 4,823 | 33 | 7 | 444 | 368.3 | 23.0 | QB5 |
| 2019 | 15 | 333 | 495 | 3,852 | 26 | 12 | 413 | 323.0 | 21.5 | QB5 |
| 2018 | 16 | 345 | 505 | 4,165 | 26 | 9 | 551 | 331.7 | 20.7 | QB5 |
| 2017 | 7 | 126 | 204 | 1,699 | 19 | 8 | 269 | 173.9 | 24.8 | QB26 |
| Career | 77 | 1,607 | 2,420 | 18,759 | 129 | 50 | 2,269 | 1526.9 | 19.8 | — |
What His Career Numbers Say
19.8
Career PPG
77 games over 8 seasons
50%
Availability
Share of team games he played
55%
Top-12 weeks
Share of his games as a QB1
8.6
Weekly swing
Standard deviation, moderate
Watson has averaged 19.8 fantasy points per game over 77 games and 8 seasons, with three top-12 finishes (2018, 2019, 2020).
So far in 2026 he is at 17.2 per game, up 5.8 from 2024. That is despite less volume (28.8 pass attempts a game against 30.9), so efficiency and scoring are doing it. His most-targeted receivers this season have been KC Concepcion and Harold Fannin.
Career numbers describe the past; for what he is worth from here, see Watson's rest-of-season rank and trade value in Redraft Command.
Career highs
- 4,823Pass yards2020
- 33Pass TD2020
- 368.3Fantasy pts2020 · QB5
- 18,759Career pass yds2017–2026
QBs like Deshaun Watson
QB1You are hereDeshaun WatsonBrowns17.2 PPGQB2Aaron RodgersSteelers16.3 PPGDeshaun Watson Stats FAQ
How many fantasy points does Deshaun Watson have in 2026?
Deshaun Watson has 68.9 PPR fantasy points in 2026 through Week 4, 17.2 per game across 4 games. That total ranks QB5 at the position. See how those numbers break down week by week.
How many passing yards does Deshaun Watson have this season?
Deshaun Watson has 855 passing yards in 2026 through Week 4, 214 a game over 4 games, on 80 of 115 completions. His high was 268 yards, in Week 4 against the Steelers.
How many passing touchdowns does Deshaun Watson have this season?
Deshaun Watson has thrown 6 touchdown passes in 2026 through Week 4.
How many interceptions has Deshaun Watson thrown this season?
Deshaun Watson has thrown 2 interceptions in 2026 through Week 4, one every 58 attempts, against 6 touchdown passes.
What is Deshaun Watson's completion percentage?
Deshaun Watson is completing 69.6% of his passes in 2026, 80 of 115, at 7.4 yards per attempt.
How many rushing yards does Deshaun Watson have this season?
Deshaun Watson has 127 rushing yards on 31 carries in 2026 through Week 4. His high was 45 yards, in Week 3 against the Panthers.
How many games has Deshaun Watson played in 2026?
Deshaun Watson has played 4 games in the 2026 season through Week 4.
What are Deshaun Watson's career NFL stats?
Across 8 seasons and 77 games, Deshaun Watson has 18,759 passing yards, 129 touchdown passes and 50 interceptions, plus 2,269 rushing yards, for 1526.9 PPR fantasy points (19.8 per game).
How many touchdowns does Deshaun Watson have in his career?
Deshaun Watson has thrown 129 touchdown passes and run for 20 touchdowns in his NFL career, 150 in all, over 77 games.
How many career passing yards does Deshaun Watson have?
Deshaun Watson has 18,759 career passing yards over 8 seasons, on 1,607 completions in 2,420 attempts.
Deshaun Watson Game Log 2026
Games played
4
FPTS/G (PPR)
17.2
Pass yds/g
214
Pass TD/g
1.5
Cmp %
69.6%
Rush yds/g
32
Across 4 games in 2026, Deshaun Watson has averaged 214 passing yards, 1.5 passing touchdowns and 17.2 PPR fantasy points per game. Deshaun Watson has finished as a top-12 QB in 2 of those weeks, and inside the top 24 in 4. The best week was Week 3 against CAR (20.3 points); the lowest was Week 4 against PIT (13.9).
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | CMP/ATT | PASS YDS | PASS TD | INT | CAR | RUSH YDS | RUSH TD | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JAX30th | L 10-34 | 15.0 | 16/22 | 205 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 38 | 0 | QB21 |
Week 1 · JAX · L 10-34 · 15.0 pts
How the 15.0 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 2 | TB16th | W 23-19 | 19.7 | 24/30 | 238 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 22 | 0 | QB12 |
Week 2 · TB · W 23-19 · 19.7 pts
How the 19.7 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 3 | CAR25th | W 21-18 | 20.3 | 16/30 | 144 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 45 | 0 | QB15 |
Week 3 · CAR · W 21-18 · 20.3 pts
How the 20.3 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 4 | PIT21st | W 27-24 | 13.9 | 24/33 | 268 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 22 | 0 | QB2 |
Week 4 · PIT · W 27-24 · 13.9 pts
How the 13.9 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
Opponent rank is fantasy points allowed to QBs across 2026: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
Two QB1 weeks and two QB2 weeks. For a quarterback ranked QB1 overall, his weeks cluster in a range you can plan around, between QB2 and QB21.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
QB1 week vs. Pittsburgh
24/33, 268 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT. 7 carries, 22 yds. 1 fumble lost.
15 of his 33 throws went to KC Concepcion (8 targets) and Quinshon Judkins (7), and his TD pass went to Harold Fannin Jr.. One interception and one lost fumble in a game that landed well below his season average.
Steady in a win vs. Carolina
16/30, 144 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT. 11 carries, 45 yds.
18 of his 30 throws went to Harold Fannin Jr. (9 targets) and KC Concepcion (9), and his TD pass went to Fannin Jr.. Just 4.8 yards per attempt. A clean, mistake-free start that landed well above his season average.
QB1 week at Tampa Bay
24/30, 238 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT. 7 carries, 22 yds.
13 of his 30 throws went to Denzel Boston (7 targets) and KC Concepcion (6), and his TD passes went to Boston and Blake Whiteheart. A clean, mistake-free start that landed well above his season average.
Steady in a loss at Jacksonville
16/22, 205 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT. 6 carries, 38 yds.
9 of his 22 throws went to KC Concepcion (5 targets) and Denzel Boston (4), and his TD pass went to Boston. His most efficient game of the season at 9.3 yards per attempt. One interception in a game that landed well below his season average.
Fantasy Points By Week
- Weekly points
- Season average (17.2)
Upcoming Matchups
View matchup — Cleveland Browns vs New York Jets
View matchup — Cleveland Browns vs Baltimore Ravens
View matchup — Cleveland Browns vs Tennessee Titans
View matchup — Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Deshaun Watson Game Log 2019
Games played
15
FPTS/G (PPR)
21.5
Pass yds/g
257
Pass TD/g
1.7
Cmp %
67.3%
Rush yds/g
28
Across 15 games in 2019, Deshaun Watson has averaged 257 passing yards, 1.7 passing touchdowns and 21.5 PPR fantasy points per game. Deshaun Watson has finished as a top-12 QB in 9 of those weeks, and inside the top 24 in 12. The best week was Week 5 against ATL (39.7 points); the lowest was Week 11 against BAL (4.0).
| Wk | Opp | FPTS | CMP/ATT | PASS YDS | PASS TD | INT | CAR | RUSH YDS | RUSH TD | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NO13th | 31.7 | 20/30 | 268 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 40 | 1 | QB3 |
Week 1 · NO · 31.7 pts
How the 31.7 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 2 | JAX18th | 10.9 | 16/29 | 159 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 1 | QB25 |
Week 2 · JAX · 10.9 pts
How the 10.9 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 3 | LAC23rd | 24.8 | 25/34 | 351 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 18 | 0 | QB5 |
Week 3 · LAC · 24.8 pts
How the 24.8 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 4 | CAR27th | 10.6 | 21/33 | 160 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 1 | QB22 |
Week 4 · CAR · 10.6 pts
How the 10.6 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 5 | ATL3rd | 39.7 | 28/33 | 426 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 47 | 0 | QB1 |
Week 5 · ATL · 39.7 pts
How the 39.7 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 6 | KC16th | 31.4 | 30/42 | 280 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 42 | 2 | QB1 |
Week 6 · KC · 31.4 pts
How the 31.4 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 7 | IND15th | 17.5 | 23/34 | 308 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 32 | 0 | QB16 |
Week 7 · IND · 17.5 pts
How the 17.5 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 8 | LV11th | 27.8 | 27/39 | 279 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 46 | 0 | QB1 |
Week 8 · LV · 27.8 pts
How the 27.8 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 9 | JAX18th | 19.7 | 22/28 | 201 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 37 | 0 | QB10 |
Week 9 · JAX · 19.7 pts
How the 19.7 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 10 | Did not play | |||||||||
| 11 | BAL31st | 4.0 | 18/29 | 169 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 12 | 0 | QB28 |
Week 11 · BAL · 4.0 pts
How the 4.0 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 12 | IND15th | 18.9 | 19/30 | 298 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 0 | QB11 |
Week 12 · IND · 18.9 pts
How the 18.9 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 13 | NE30th | 28.9 | 18/25 | 234 | 3 | 0 | 4 | -1 | 0 | QB1 |
Week 13 · NE · 28.9 pts
How the 28.9 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 14 | DEN20th | 30.1 | 28/50 | 292 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 44 | 2 | QB4 |
Week 14 · DEN · 30.1 pts
How the 30.1 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 15 | TEN6th | 17.9 | 19/27 | 243 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 32 | 0 | QB15 |
Week 15 · TEN · 17.9 pts
How the 17.9 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 16 | TB10th | 9.1 | 19/32 | 184 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 37 | 0 | QB28 |
Week 16 · TB · 9.1 pts
How the 9.1 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 17 | Did not play | |||||||||
Opponent rank is fantasy points allowed to QBs across 2019: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
QBs like Deshaun Watson
QB1You are hereDeshaun WatsonBrowns17.2 PPGQB2Aaron RodgersSteelers16.3 PPGDeshaun Watson Game Log FAQ
How did Deshaun Watson do in his last game?
Deshaun Watson scored 13.9 PPR points in Week 4 against the Steelers, a 27–24 win, a QB2 finish. He completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception, and ran 7 times for 22 yards. View his 2026 season totals.
How many fantasy points did Deshaun Watson score in his last game?
Deshaun Watson scored 13.9 PPR fantasy points in his last game, Week 4 against the Steelers, a QB2 finish for the week. That was 3.3 below his season average of 17.2.
How many passing yards did Deshaun Watson have in his last game?
Deshaun Watson threw for 268 yards in Week 4 against the Steelers, completing 24 of 33 passes, and added 22 rushing yards.
How many touchdowns did Deshaun Watson throw in his last game?
Deshaun Watson threw 1 touchdown pass in Week 4 against the Steelers with 1 interception.
What were Deshaun Watson's stats in Week 3?
In Week 3 against the Panthers, a 21–18 win, Deshaun Watson completed 16 of 30 passes for 144 yards with 2 touchdowns, and ran 11 times for 45 yards. That was 20.3 PPR points, a QB15 finish.
What was Deshaun Watson's best game this season?
Deshaun Watson's best 2026 game was Week 3 against the Panthers: 20.3 PPR points, a QB15 finish. He completed 16 of 30 passes for 144 yards with 2 touchdowns, and ran 11 times for 45 yards.
What was Deshaun Watson's worst game this season?
Deshaun Watson's lowest-scoring 2026 game was Week 4 against the Steelers: 13.9 PPR points, a QB2 finish. He completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception, and ran 7 times for 22 yards.
In how many games has Deshaun Watson thrown a touchdown pass this season?
Deshaun Watson has thrown a touchdown pass in 4 of his 4 games this season, and scored a touchdown of any kind in 4.
Can I see Deshaun Watson's game logs from previous seasons?
Yes. The season selector above the game log switches it to Watson's weekly results from any season from 2017 through 2024.
Deshaun Watson Rest-of-Season Outlook
Dual-threat QB1 every week
Preseason Projection vs. Reality
Our Take After Week 4
Through 4 games he's QB1 at 17.2 PPR points per game.
Last season he ranked 16th of 41 in passing volume (30.9 attempts per game), 39th of 41 in efficiency (-0.23 EPA per play) and 14th of 41 in rushing (21.1 rush yards per game). His points come from his rushing. Efficiency is the soft spot. KC Concepcion and Harold Fannin are his top two targets.
The job is secure: he's the listed starter and one of the best at his position. The main risk is health, and Shedeur Sanders is next on the depth chart if he misses time.
Read our preseason outlook (June 2026)
Published June 16, 2026. Kept for reference; the take above replaces it.
The efficiency profile is alarming. Across seven 2024 games Watson posted a brutal minus-0.23 EPA per play and a 34.3% success rate, finishing as QB39 with just five touchdowns against three picks. His 78.7% on-target mark and minus-2.2 CPOE show the accuracy slipped, and a 31.9% pressure rate with 33 sacks meant he never operated cleanly. The 2023 sample was only marginally better: minus-0.09 EPA and a 41.6% success rate over six starts.
The rushing equity that once propped up his ceiling has evaporated, leaving 148 yards and one score on 31 carries in 2024. He enters camp in an open competition for the starting job, drafted around QB32 in single-QB formats where he carries no standalone value. An upgraded receiving corps offers a faint path back, but until the efficiency stabilizes, he is a Superflex dart at best and nothing more.
What Drives His Outlook
His 2024 rank among the 41 quarterbacks who played at least six games. Each bar is one quarterback, best on the left; his is highlighted.
Passing volume
Efficiency
Rushing
- Success rate
- 34.3%
- CPOE
- −2.2
- Sacks taken
- 33
- Pressure rate
- 31.9%
- Bad-throw rate
- 16.1%
- Deep-attempt rate
- 7.6%
What Could Change His Value
Upside
- The scheduleNone of his next four opponents is a top-10 matchup for QBs.Wk 5 NYJ, 24thWk 6 BAL, 19thWk 7 TEN, 31stWk 8 PIT, 26th
- Major rushing21.1 rush yards per game, 14th of 41 QBs in 2024.
Risk
- HealthHis role is secure; if he misses time, Shedeur Sanders is next on the depth chart.
- Weak efficiency-0.23 EPA per play, 39th of 41 QBs in 2024.
- Tough matchupsThe Jets in Week 5 (24th) and the Titans in Week 7 (31st) are among the stingiest defenses against QBs.
QBs like Deshaun Watson
QB1You are hereDeshaun WatsonBrowns17.2 PPGQB2Aaron RodgersSteelers16.3 PPGDeshaun Watson Fantasy Outlook FAQ
What is Deshaun Watson's fantasy outlook for the rest of the 2026 season?
Deshaun Watson projects as a dual-threat QB1 every week for the rest of the 2026 season: a weekly starter in superflex and 2QB, 12-team 1QB and 10-team 1QB leagues. His rushing (21.1 rush yards per game, 14th of 41 QBs in 2024) supports that. His efficiency (-0.23 EPA per play, 39th of 41 QBs in 2024) holds him back. See his live rank in Redraft Command.
What is Deshaun Watson's rest-of-season fantasy ranking?
Deshaun Watson is the QB1 in PPR points per game through Week 4. That puts him in QB1 territory, a weekly starter in 12-team 1QB leagues.
What is Deshaun Watson's projected role going forward?
Deshaun Watson is the listed starting QB, with Shedeur Sanders next on the depth chart. Nothing on the chart threatens the job, so the role is his to lose on performance.
Will Deshaun Watson get more pass attempts?
Deshaun Watson's pass attempts are trending up: 31.5 a game over his last two games against 28.8 for the season. Game script drives much of that, and trailing teams throw more.
What is Deshaun Watson's fantasy football upside?
Deshaun Watson's upside: his ceiling this season is 20.3 PPR points (Week 3, QB15) and his rushing (21.1 rush yards per game, 14th of 41 QBs in 2024) gives him a weekly floor to build on.
What could hurt Deshaun Watson's fantasy value?
Deshaun Watson's risks: Shedeur Sanders is next on the depth chart if he is benched or hurt, his efficiency (-0.23 EPA per play, 39th of 41 QBs in 2024) limits his scoring and the Jets in Week 5 and the Titans in Week 7 are tough matchups. See his injury status and history.
How difficult is Deshaun Watson's remaining fantasy schedule?
Difficult: of his next seven games, 1 comes against a top-10 matchup for QBs and 3 against one of the stingiest defenses, by PPR points allowed to the position.
Deshaun Watson Injury Update & History
Practice participation
Week 5 report starts Wednesday, Oct 7Watson hasn't appeared on an injury report this season.
Injury History at a Glance
Five logged injuries in eight seasons, including two achilles injuries. His lost time is spread out: the most any one injury cost was 18 games.
Durability
10/100
Games missed
Injuries
Longest absence
Achilles tendon rupture · 2025
Where He's Been Hurt
Marker size shows games missed. A dashed ring means he played through it.
| Body part | Injuries | Games missed |
|---|---|---|
| Achilles | 2 | 29 |
| Shoulder | 1 | 11 |
| Knee | 1 | 9 |
| Ankle | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 49 |
Injury risk profile: High
- Achilles injuries in 2024 and 2025
- Achilles tendon rupture in 2025, 18 games missed
- 49 games in 8 seasons, 18 of them in 2025
- 5 injuries spread across 4 body parts
Deshaun Watson Injury History
Every logged injury, most recent first. Games missed are regular-season games.
- 2026
Healthy 0 games missed
No injury has cost Watson a game this season.
- 2025
Achilles Tendon Rupture, surgery · Right 18 games
Underwent surgery in January 2025 for a re-rupture of his right Achilles tendon, keeping him out for the entire 2025 season.
- 2024
Achilles Tear · Right 11 games
Watson was carted off the field after a non-contact leg injury, which was later confirmed as a torn Achilles, ending his 2024 season.
- 2023
High Ankle Sprain · Left Played through
Suffered a mild high ankle sprain against the Ravens but was able to finish the game.
- 2023
Rotator Cuff Strain, surgery · Right 11 games
Sustained a rotator cuff strain in his throwing shoulder that kept him sidelined for four games. Suffered a displaced fracture to the glenoid in his throwing shoulder, which required season-ending surgery.
- 2017
ACL Tear · Right 9 games
Watson tore his ACL in a non-contact incident during practice, prematurely ending his rookie season.
If Watson Misses Time
Next man up: Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders is next on the Browns depth chart at quarterback. In superflex leagues he's worth a speculative bench spot for Watson managers; in 1QB leagues he's a waiver add only if Watson misses time.
Who else it affects
A quarterback change matters most for KC Concepcion and Harold Fannin, his two most-targeted pass catchers this season.
QBs like Deshaun Watson
QB1You are hereDeshaun WatsonBrowns17.2 PPGQB2Aaron RodgersSteelers16.3 PPGDeshaun Watson Injury FAQ
Is Deshaun Watson injured?
No. As of October 2, 2026, Deshaun Watson is active with no injury designation. He has played every game in 2026.
Is Deshaun Watson playing this week?
Deshaun Watson has no injury designation for Week 5 at the Jets on Sunday, October 11, so he is on track to play. Should you start him?
Has Deshaun Watson missed any games this season?
No. Deshaun Watson has played in every Browns game in 2026, 4 games so far.
What is Deshaun Watson's injury history?
Deshaun Watson has 5 logged NFL injuries, which have cost him 49 games in all: 18 for a right Achilles tendon rupture in 2025, 11 for a right Achilles tear in 2024, 11 for a right rotator cuff strain in 2023 and 9 for a right ACL tear in 2017.
What was Deshaun Watson's most recent injury?
Deshaun Watson's most recent logged injury was a right Achilles tendon rupture in the 2025 preseason. It cost him 18 games.
Does Deshaun Watson have any recurring injuries?
Yes: achilles injuries in 2024 and 2025 (29 games missed).
What was Deshaun Watson's worst injury?
Deshaun Watson's longest absence came from a right Achilles tendon rupture in 2025, which cost him 18 games of the 49 he has missed in his career.
Latest Deshaun Watson News & Updates
Watson delivers QB1 week vs. Pittsburgh
24-of-33, 268 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
7 CAR, 22 YDS
13.9 fantasy points · QB2
Watson completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and ran for 22 yards in the 27–24 win vs. Pittsburgh. KC Concepcion led the team with 8 targets.
Season Timeline
Every update this season, grouped by week, newest first.
Week 5Oct 11
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Continues ascent with third straight win (opens in new tab)
Keeps rolling with a third consecutive victory.
Fantasy take: Context for his season; the Outlook tab has our rest-of-season view.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Week 3Sep 27W 21–18 vs CAR
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Watson solid in win vs. Carolina
20.3 fantasy points · QB15 · 3.0 above his 17.2 average
Watson completed 16 of 30 passes for 144 yards with two touchdowns, and ran for 45 yards in the 21–18 win vs. Carolina. Harold Fannin Jr. led the team with 9 targets.
Game logWeek 2Sep 20W 23–19 @ TB
Fantasy impact: Positive. Watson delivers QB1 week at Tampa Bay
19.7 fantasy points · QB12 · 2.5 above his 17.2 average
Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards with two touchdowns, and ran for 22 yards in the 23–19 win at Tampa Bay. Denzel Boston led the team with 7 targets.
Game logWeek 1Sep 13L 10–34 @ JAX
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Watson quiet in loss at Jacksonville
15.0 fantasy points · QB21 · 2.2 below his 17.2 average
Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and ran for 38 yards in the 34–10 loss at Jacksonville. KC Concepcion led the team with 5 targets.
Game logPreseasonAugust
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Named Cleveland's starting quarterback (opens in new tab)
Locks in as Cleveland's starter, taking over the offense under center.
Fantasy take: A depth-chart change: his role drives his value, and the Outlook tab has the full picture.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Starting QB decision expected Monday (opens in new tab)
Could learn starting status Monday as team expected to announce QB decision.
Fantasy take: A depth-chart change: his role drives his value, and the Outlook tab has the full picture.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Poor second half Saturday (opens in new tab)
Struggled with a weak second-half performance Saturday.
Fantasy take: Context for his season; the Outlook tab has our rest-of-season view.
Read full report (opens in new tab)
No updates of this type yet this season.
Browns Teammates News
Updates on the players who catch Watson's passes.
- KC Concepcion: Remains productive in Week 4 win (opens in new tab)KC Concepcion, WR. 28 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Denzel Boston: Continues thriving in Week 4 win (opens in new tab)Denzel Boston, WR. 22 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Harold Fannin: Salvages night with TD (opens in new tab)Harold Fannin, TE. 23 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Denzel Boston: Records two catches in Week 3 win (opens in new tab)Denzel Boston, WR. 22 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Harold Fannin: Quiet in Week 1 loss (opens in new tab)Harold Fannin, TE. 23 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- KC Concepcion: Could play all over formation (opens in new tab)KC Concepcion, WR. 28 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
Around the Browns
QBs like Deshaun Watson
QB1You are hereDeshaun WatsonBrowns17.2 PPGQB2Aaron RodgersSteelers16.3 PPGDeshaun Watson News FAQ
What is the latest news on Deshaun Watson?
The latest Watson update, from October 2: Watson delivers QB1 week vs. Pittsburgh. Watson completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and ran for 22 yards in the 27–24 win vs. Pittsburgh. KC Concepcion led the team with 8 targets.
How does the latest Deshaun Watson news affect his fantasy value?
Positively: he scored 13.9 fantasy points, a QB2 finish, 3.3 below his 17.2 average. See the updated fantasy outlook.
Has Deshaun Watson's role changed?
The latest depth-chart news on Watson: Named Cleveland's starting quarterback (August 24). Locks in as Cleveland's starter, taking over the offense under center.
Deshaun Watson Bio
Deshaun Watson is a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, where he wears No. 4. Born September 14, 1995, in Gainesville, GA, he attended Gainesville and played college football at Clemson.
The Houston Texans selected Watson in round 1, pick 12, of the 2017 NFL Draft. He was traded to the Cleveland Browns on April 20, 2016. He was traded to the Houston Texans on April 27, 2017. He was traded to the Cleveland Browns on March 18, 2022. Since then, Watson joined the Cleveland Browns in 2022.
In 77 regular-season games since 2017, he has thrown for 18,759 yards and 129 touchdowns.
Career Timeline
2 stops with 2 teams in 10 seasons. Each block's width is the time he spent there.
What happened at each stop
Most recent first.
Cleveland Browns Current team2022–present
Acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans on March 18, 2022. He was the starter, with 23 starts in 23 games.
Houston Texans2017–2021
Selected in round 1, pick 12, of the 2017 NFL Draft. He was the starter, with 53 starts in 54 games.
College: Clemson
Transactions
- Placed on IRPlaced on injured reserve by the Cleveland Browns.
- Placed on IRPlaced on injured reserve by the Cleveland Browns.
- SuspendedSuspended by the NFL.
- TradedTraded by the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns for DT Jordan Davis, a 2023 first-round pick, a 2024 first-round pick, a 2023 third-round pick, a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2022 fourth-round pick (conditional).
- ContractAgreed to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with the Cleveland Browns.
- ContractAgreed to a four-year contract extension with $111 million guaranteed with the Houston Texans.
- ContractThe Houston Texans exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie contract for the 2021 season.
- Placed on IRPlaced on injured reserve by the Houston Texans.
- SignedSigned his four-year rookie contract with the Houston Texans.
- TradedTraded by the Cleveland Browns to the Houston Texans for FS Jabrill Peppers and CB Denzel Ward.
- DraftedSelected by the Houston Texans in round 1, pick 12.
- TradedTraded by the Philadelphia Eagles to the Cleveland Browns for QB Carson Wentz and WR Jehu Chesson.
QBs like Deshaun Watson
QB1You are hereDeshaun WatsonBrowns17.2 PPGQB2Aaron RodgersSteelers16.3 PPGAbout Deshaun Watson: Bio FAQ
How old is Deshaun Watson?
Deshaun Watson is 31 years old. He was born on September 14, 1995. 2026 is his 10th NFL season.
How tall is Deshaun Watson?
Deshaun Watson is 6 feet 3 inches tall (6'3"), listed at 223 pounds, and plays quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.
How much does Deshaun Watson weigh?
Deshaun Watson weighs 223 pounds, his listed weight on the Cleveland Browns roster. He is listed at 6'3".
What number does Deshaun Watson wear?
Deshaun Watson wears number 4 for the Cleveland Browns. He plays quarterback.
What position does Deshaun Watson play?
Deshaun Watson plays quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, wearing number 4. 2026 is his 10th season in the NFL.
What team does Deshaun Watson play for?
Deshaun Watson plays for the Cleveland Browns as a quarterback. He has been with the Browns since 2022.
Where did Deshaun Watson go to college?
Deshaun Watson played college football at Clemson, after attending Gainesville (GA).
Where is Deshaun Watson from?
Deshaun Watson went to high school in Georgia, at Gainesville, before playing college football at Clemson.
When is Deshaun Watson's birthday?
Deshaun Watson's birthday is September 14. He was born on September 14, 1995 and is 31 years old.
How long has Deshaun Watson been in the NFL?
2026 is Deshaun Watson's 10th NFL season; he entered the league in 2017. View his career statistics.
What teams has Deshaun Watson played for?
Deshaun Watson has played for the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns. View his career statistics.
What year did Deshaun Watson enter the NFL?
Deshaun Watson entered the NFL in 2017. 2026 is his 10th season.