Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Trey Lance

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 1, 9:17 PM

Los Angeles Chargers backup quarterback Trey Lance will receive first-team practice reps in goal-line situations this week. This is a result of starting quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) needing surgery on his left (non-throwing) hand following Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert had a metacarpal fracture in his left hand but still plans to play in Week 14 versus the Philadelphia Eagles next Monday night. The fact that Lance is doing goal-line work could be a hint that the Chargers might use him in goal-line situations, with Herbert probably being unable to take snaps under center next week. If Herbert plays in Week 14, he'll be more of a low-end QB1 option in fantasy football while going up against a strong Eagles pass rush.