Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Joe Burrow

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.

Saturday, December 6, 3:52 PM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow returned in the Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The signal-caller had trouble completing his throws (24-for-46). However, he still tossed for 261 yards and two touchdowns. While Burrow only had eight yards off three carries, he looked good from a mobility standpoint, which was certainly refreshing for fantasy managers. With the Bengals coming off a much-needed victory, snapping a four-game skid, they will look to remain on the winning path by taking down the Bills in Week 14. Fortunately, Burrow will have Tee Higgins (concussion) back in the lineup after a one-game absence. The former LSU Tiger also likely got rid of any residual rust caused by the lengthy stint on the shelf. As such, he should (in theory) improve as it pertains to his completion percentage, considering he's historically been an accurate passer. Although the weather in Buffalo can be a concern at this point in the season, it doesn't appear as if it will be a significant issue. All things considered, Burrow is a must-start, especially with Sunday's contest projected to be the highest-scoring game of the Week.