Who Should I Start? Joe Flacco or Deshaun Watson


Week 8 Projections

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

Joe Flacco News

Joe Flacco One of 2026's Most Trustworthy Backups

Saturday, June 20, 5:14 AM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco began his 2025 campaign with the Cleveland Browns, and through four starts, he threw six interceptions to only two touchdowns, scored fewer than 5.3 fantasy points per game, and looked as if his time in the NFL was coming to an end. Following a rare in-division mid-season trade, he started six games for the Bengals in place of an injured Joe Burrow and immediately became a viable fantasy option while elevating the entire Cincinnati offense. He finished as the QB7 or better in three of those games, and in signing a one-year deal this offseason to return to the Bengals, he remains a must-roster backup in superflex dynasty leagues and raises the floor of receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, as well as running back Chase Brown. With Joe Burrow RotoBaller's QB5 for 2026, any appearance by Flacco still represents a worst-case scenario, but at 41 years old, the 19-year veteran is more than capable of preventing a complete bottoming out if called into action.


Week 8 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
19.5 22.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Deshaun Watson News

Deshaun Watson Not Looking Like Front-Line Starting QB

Friday, October 30, 2:05 PM

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson looks to be on the low end of starting quarterbacks for fantasy in his Week 8 matchup at the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watson has led the Browns to 5-2 overall record but his fantasy numbers leave something to be desired this season. Watson was 25-of-36 passing in Week 7's win over the Titans with 308 passing yards and an interception without a touchdown. He did rush three times for 19 yards and a rushing touchdown. Although he didn't find the end zone passing the ball, it was one of Watson's better games through the air. He will likely find things tougher this week against the Steelers' defense, which ranks 11th against the pass allowing 212.7 passing yards per game with just seven passing touchdowns allowed this season. In the first meeting against Pittsburgh at home, Watson finished with 268 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Watson will hope to keep up his positive play in a key road matchup. Matching up with the likes of Jamel Dean, Asante Samuel Jr., and Jalen Ramsey, Watson looks like a bottom tier starting quarterback this week. If you have other options you may want to start them over Watson this week.


Joe Flacco vs. Deshaun Watson

Still trying to decide between Flacco and Watson? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Joe Flacco is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Deshaun Watson is projected to score 19.5 points.