Despite not playing a game in 2021, Deshaun Watson's 2022 fantasy football outlook seemed to be trending up on August 1st when he was only due to be suspended for six games. That changed on August 18th when Watson and the league agreed to up the suspension five games with an additional fine of five million dollars. Now Watson won't return until at least Week 13 on December 4th. It's a conundrum for fantasy managers in that Watson may not help them very much this season.
Th ere is an argument to the contrary, however. Watson very well could be starter-worthy in fantasy leagues upon his return against his former team, Houston, in December. With a traditional fantasy playoff schedule (Weeks 15-17) of Baltimore, New Orleans, and at Washington, the former Texans QB becomes relevant if the Browns remain in the playoff race. That seems questionable at best considering Cleveland's midseason gauntlet of a schedule might be too much for Jacoby Brissett to navigate through.
Watson struggled in limited action in his new team's first preseason game vs. Jacksonville, going 1 for 5 passing for 7 yards. While it's much too early to be concerned, he does bring a significant risk / reward contribution to both his team and his fantasy managers down the stretch. Watson likely isn't worth drafting unless leagues offer an “NA” position or similar where he could be stashed not counting against an active roster.
Is Deshaun Watson wor th drafting in 2022 fantasy drafts? Find out where he ranks in our 2022 Fantasy Football Rankings.