Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Bryce Young

Saturday, December 6, 9:14 PM

The Cleveland Browns are planning to keep quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) on their roster next season, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. While Watson is considered unlikely to play this season as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles that required multiple surgeries, the team has expressed interest in keeping him on the roster, noting that the 30-year-old's veteran presence is valuable for their pair of rookie quarterbacks in Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Another big reason Watson is expected to return is due to the fact that the Browns would have to take on a dead salary of close to $135 million if they released him before June 1 and a $53 million cap charge if he was designated as a post-June 1 cap casualty. The record for dead-cap money was set by the Denver Broncos with quarterback Russell Wilson at $85 million, which they split into two years, but releasing Watson would cost the Browns significantly more. With Watson set to return in 2026, he's expected to compete with Sanders and Gabriel for Cleveland's starting gig.

Monday, December 15, 1:11 PM

Bryce Young completed 15-of-24 attempts for 163 yards and a touchdown in the Carolina Panthers' 20-17 loss to the Saints in Week 15. The Carolina QB also added a season-high 49 rushing yards on seven carries, totaling 15.4 Fantasy points. In 13 games played this season, Young has averaged 14.2 Fantasy Points Per Game. He has also registered more than 15 fantasy points in three of his last four starts. In Week 16, the Panthers will go up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the four weeks leading up to Week 15, the Buccaneers ranked last in the league in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to QBs. Tampa Bay's pass defense also surrendered the second-most passing touchdowns against opposing QBs during that span (eight). Although his fantasy totals for the year have been mediocre, this matchup makes Young a more favorable starter in superflex leagues for Week 16. Those who are desperate in one-QB leagues can also consider streaming Young.