Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Baker Mayfield

Saturday, November 7, 8:32 AM

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (head) has been cleared from the NFL's concussion protocol on Saturday but remains questionable for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints in Week 9, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Browns already announced on Friday that second-year QB Shedeur Sanders will start against the Saints, but Watson will make the trip and could be active as Sanders' backup. The 31-year-old Watson did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday before getting in a limited practice on Friday, which gives him a chance to suit up this weekend. The three-time Pro Bowler has led Cleveland to a 5-3 record through the first eight weeks in 2026, but he leads the NFL in sacks taken (33) and has not thrown a touchdown pass in the last three games. The Browns have not given Watson a vote of confidence by saying that he will be their starter after Week 9, so if Sanders comes in and shows out in New Orleans, the team could have a QB controversy on their hands. Watson came into Week 9 as the QB17 overall in fantasy scoring with 1,806 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions in his eight starts.