Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Sam Darnold

Monday, January 5, 12:55 PM

The Cleveland Browns currently expect quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) to be on the team next year, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. "I can never predict the future, but right now we do anticipate him being on the 2026 team," general manager Andrew Berry said about Watson's status. Watson tore his right Achilles tendon in October of 2024 and re-ruptured the tendon and required a second surgery on Jan. 9 of 2025. The 30-year-old veteran stayed on the Physically Unable to Perform list all season, but if he can return to full health this year, he's expected to compete for the starting QB job this summer with Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Watson will be entering the final year of his five-year, $230 million deal in 2026. He'll be a huge question mark going into next season, but despite the investment the Browns still have in him, he's not guaranteed to win the starting job.

Monday, January 26, 10:45 AM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold had one of the best games of his career in his team's NFC Championship Game victory over the Los Angeles Rams, completing 25 of 36 pass attempts for 346 yards and three touchdowns without committing a turnover. The 28-year-old shook off his past demons against the Rams defense, which forced him into six interceptions across two regular-season matchups. Darnold will now have a chance to lead Seattle in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. New England's pass defense has been elite so far this postseason, holding opponents to just 415 total passing yards across three games. However, the Patriots have also been aided by some bad weather and faced backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham in their AFC Championship Game win over the Denver Broncos. If Darnold plays the way he played in the NFC Championship Game in the Super Bowl, he should have a chance to post another stellar stat line.