Should I Start Deshaun Watson?

Wednesday, November 4, 7:51 AM

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (concussion) is not expected to practice on Wednesday after entering the NFL's concussion protocol this week, according to Scott Petrak of The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. However, head coach Todd Monken is not ruling Watson out, and he is optimistic that he will play on Sunday on the road against the New Orleans Saints, who are coming off their bye. Fantasy managers who have been using the 31-year-old veteran in two-QB superflex leagues should be formulating a backup plan for this week. If Watson cannot get cleared from the protocol by the start of the weekend, second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders would be in line for his first start of the 2026 season in a hostile environment against a well-rested Saints defense. We will be keeping a close eye on Watson's practice status this week, but so far, he is on the wrong side of questionable. Through the first eight weeks this year, Watson has been a serviceable QB2 in fantasy, throwing for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions to put him as the QB17 in overall fantasy points.