Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Sam Howell


Week 1 Projections

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Deshaun Watson News

Deshaun Watson in "Pole Position" to be Week 1 Starting QB?

Saturday, March 28, 8:42 PM

The NFL Network's Mike Garafolo thinks that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is in the "pole position" to be the team's starter for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. Shedeur Sanders finished his rookie season as the Browns' starter under center, but he was very inconsistent down the stretch and has plenty to prove after dropping into the fifth round in the 2025 NFL draft. On the flip side, Watson, 30, missed all of last year while recovering from multiple surgeries to fix a torn Achilles tendon. Due to injury and suspension, the three-time Pro Bowler has played in just 19 games since he joined Cleveland in 2022. Watson will be competing with Sanders in training camp this summer, but there's still the possibility the Browns add another signal-caller in the draft or via trade/free agency. If Watson were to enter training camp fully healthy and win the starting job outright, he'd be a low-end QB2 with upside and plenty to prove to fantasy managers.


Week 1 Projections

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

Sam Howell News

Sam Howell Signs a One-Year Deal with Cowboys

Tuesday, March 10, 7:40 PM

The Dallas Cowboys have signed quarterback Sam Howell to a one-year contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Howell's journey around the NFC East continues; the former UNC product has already spent time with the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles, and he also made two appearances with the Seattle Seahawks in 2024. That 2024 campaign was the last time Howell saw game action, and at this point in his career, he's more of a steady backup option than a potential NFL starter. That explains why he's heading to Dallas, where he'll compete for the No. 2 quarterback job alongside Joe Milton III (and behind Dak Prescott). Howell's 26 total touchdowns in 2023 revealed his encouraging upside, but he also had 21 interceptions that year, pointing to some real turnover concerns. Fantasy managers should leave him on waivers in all leagues (including dynasty formats) as long as Prescott remains healthy.


Deshaun Watson vs. Sam Howell

Still trying to decide between Watson and Howell? 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 Sam Howell is projected to score 0.0 points.