Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Baker Mayfield


Week 1 Projections

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0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Deshaun Watson News

Deshaun Watson Back on the Fantasy Radar in 2026?

Tuesday, March 17, 6:39 AM

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) hasn't played a snap since the middle of the 2024 season, but it appears that he could get back on the fantasy football radar soon. Watson should be healthy (or at least near full health) ahead of the 2026 campaign, giving him a real chance to win the Browns' starting quarterback job. Not only does Watson have the best career stats among the Browns' quarterback room, but he also comes with the largest investment. Cleveland flipped three first-round picks for Watson, whereas Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders were merely Day 2 or 3 selections. Neither Gabriel nor Sanders, both of whom started games in 2025, put together very encouraging stat lines. Watson wasn't great when he last played, either, going 1-6 with 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. However, his experience, track record, and investment likely make him the favorite to start at quarterback in Week 1, if he's healthy. With a talented, young group of skill players around him -- plus an improved offensive line in front of him -- Watson could sneakily become a fantasy option in deeper leagues. At worst, he has top-24 upside at the quarterback position in 2026.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Baker Mayfield News

Buccaneers Expected to Discuss Extension With Baker Mayfield This Offseason

Tuesday, March 24, 10:40 AM

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to discuss a contract extension with quarterback Baker Mayfield this offseason, league sources told Jeff Howe of The Athletic. Mayfield's three-year, $100 million deal expires in March of 2027. Howe adds that Mayfield's next contract won't necessarily be team-friendly after he has proven his worth as the team's franchise QB. He is currently the 16th-highest-paid signal-caller at $33.3 million per year. Mayfield and the Bucs have both publicly stated their desire to stay together beyond his current contract. It remains to be seen if Tampa is willing to give him at least $50 million annually after he regressed in 2025 with totals of 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 starts. Still, Lowe thinks he'd be justified in asking for four years and $224 milion or five years and $280 million, with at least half fully guaranteed. In fantasy football, Mayfield will be considered a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 option, with his upside limited now that he doesn't have future Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans to throw to.


Deshaun Watson vs. Baker Mayfield

Still trying to decide between Watson and Mayfield? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Deshaun Watson is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Baker Mayfield is projected to score 0.0 points.