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Deshaun Watson will make his first appearance of the 2022 campaign against his old team, the Houston Texans, after being reinstated by the Cleveland Browns. According to statistics, Watson has consistently ranked among the top fantasy quarterbacks in NFL history.
Deshaun Watson hasn't participated in a league game in almost two years. The talented quarterback missed the entire 2021 season after playing the final few games of the 2020 campaign with the Houston Texans.
Watson can go up the priority list if he is still available and you need a QB. After being officially cleared on Monday, Watson will make his first appearance this Sunday. Given the circumstances and the fact that he hasn't featured since 2020, optimists should keep their hopes in check for his first match back. But as the season progresses, Watson might offer marginal QB1 value for fantasy.
Deshaun Watson's fantasy potential
Deshaun Watson was performing at a high level the last time he played, but it's difficult to predict how he'll slot in with the Browns. Experienced backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett filled in for the Browns during Watson's 11-game suspension, but his performance was pedestrian. He has a 64.1% completion rate, 12 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Watson should be added to fantasy football rosters. However, it would be wise to wait until after his performance in his first match back before using him in the starting lineup.
This season, the Texans have surprised many by playing well against quarterbacks. Only the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos have given up fewer points to quarterbacks than the Texans.
The last game of the 2020 regular season marked Watson's last appearance in a game. He defeated the Tennessee Titans with 365 passing yards, three touchdowns, and 25.8 fantasy points. However, the time separating his last game with the Texans and his first with the Browns will be 700 days.
What happened to Deshaun Watson?
Watson sat out the 2021 season after refusing to continue playing for the Texans following the 2020 campaign. He was subsequently dealt to the Cleveland Browns. The fact that 24 women accused Watson of sexual abuse in civil lawsuits meant that he missed a whole year while being on the Browns' books.
