We need to resolve this issue immediately. We don't want any players to get injured. That's not the point of this piece.
But…it may seem that way at times in the space below, as the fallout (fall?) of Deshaun Watson's Achilles tendon tear is great for fantasy managers. It's just amazing!
No, I know that's not great for Watson. we understand that. He has a tough road ahead of him.
But…he was a terrible quarterback. This is true not only in fantasy, but also in the real world. As any good fantasy manager will tell you, we don't really care if our fantasy QB wins games in the NFL. We just want attractive fantasy points. Interceptions are less damaging than touchdowns and contribute to your fantasy box score.
Yes, I would be happy to have someone else quarterback the Browns. No, it's not because of…um…everything else. I'm sure it's not just crazy people who think Watson is a terrible person. But…that doesn't have to be the reason we're happy. Because we never want anyone to get hurt. He wasn't good at football, and worse, he wasn't good at fantasy, so we can be happy.
If that wasn't enough, he was also the highest-paid player, and Cleveland shipped a trove of draft picks in exchange for the right to pay him a hefty salary. And as it turns out, he was one of the worst at work. So there's that too.
We have all kinds of reasons to be happy. We don't need to focus on being happy that he was injured. Because we would never do that.
And let me tell you without a doubt, we are overjoyed by the fantasy influence.
Watson was miserable as a fantasy QB. He spent just one week as a top-12 QB this season, and that was as QB11. He averaged QB19. This is even worse than last year, when QB averaged 16 before the shoulder injury.
The rise of fantasy post-Watson has a history. Last season, Joe Flacco took his place and averaged QB8 in five games. His worst week was QB13, and he finished in the top five in each of his last two games.
Jameis Winston has a long history of being a less-than-ideal NFL QB, but he's also been a fantasy — certainly more fantasy than post-scandal Watson.
Sure, Winston can have a bad week – think Watson-level bad. But he also had a much higher ceiling — something Watson has lacked since coming to Cleveland.
Now, don't expect your world to expand from Winston. He hasn't been great and hasn't pitched a complete game since early 2022. And his receivers are…well…not good.
After the Amari Cooper trade, the Browns are left with Jerry Jeudy, David Njoku, and (who?) Cedric Tillman. None of it is great, but Winston isn't afraid of it. So with Watson gone, all those guys are going to be furious, including Elijah Moore.
Since Winston likes to chuck the ball, the defense will have to defend the deep ball, which should create more room for newly returned running back Nick Chubb.
oh! This is like win, win, win, win, win! Except for Watson. It's not good for him and we never root for someone to get hurt.
Now, if the Browns decide to start Dorian Thompson-Robinson at QB instead as the Browns…well…at least DTR doesn't have all the off-field baggage. But in terms of fantasy (or real world) impact, I don't think he's making a statistically meaningful difference. Therefore, everyone will still have a fantastical view.
So we can at least be a little bit happier — not because Watson got hurt or because we wouldn't wish that on anyone, but because of a better fantasy future for the rest of the Browns. Because there is now a path.
Please be happy!
the future is bright
Romeo Doubs WR, Packers
The week after scoring 2 TDs, he achieved the team's highest number of goals (10). I was surprised at how many leagues have him available in strong offenses with quality QBs.
Ricky Pearsall WR, 49ers
He went from literally getting shot in the preseason to playing in actual games and becoming a roster prospect. With Brandon Aiyuk sidelined and the care of Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings, Pearsall could have more targets in the future.
DJ Turner WR, Raiders
Someone other than Brock Bowers has to catch passes in Las Vegas. Turner is being looked at as a deep bench option next to Tre Tucker. Even if Aidan O'Connell is replaced by Gardner Minshew at QB, our outlook remains the same.
Jonnu Smith TE, Dolphins
Smith may disappear once Tua Tagovailoa returns. But until then, expect him to continue to get targets, no matter who the wimpy QB was at the time.
dark days ahead
Tank Bigsby RB, Jaguars
Parlay his monster week 7 trade. Once Travis Etienne is healthy, Bigsby could begin to share the workload again. Meanwhile, even Dernest Johnson becomes a workload threat on any given week.
Do you want to bet on the NFL?
Tuba Hubbard RB, Panthers
He ranks 5th among all RBs – 5th! However, rookie Jonathan Brooks should make his debut within the next week or two, at which point Hubbard's monster numbers will be significantly reduced.
Michael Pittman Jr. WR, Colts
QB Anthony Richardson returned, and as expected, Pittman's fantastic production evaporated. You can't trade him, and there probably isn't a better player available on waivers. Keep him hidden on the bench as an emergency option.
Sam Laporta TE, Lions
We have missed out on a few of his works due to our slim position. But we're nearing midseason and he has just 14 receptions. Fourteen! He ranks as TE19 with one catch (a 52-yard TD in Week 6) and TE32. If you haven't benched it yet, bench it.
