Is Deshaun Watson Officially Reinstated? Should I Start Watson In Week 13? Fantasy Football Outlook

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson hasn’t played in an NFL game in nearly two years. After finishing the 2020 season with the Houston Texans, the superstar quarterback sat out the entire 2021 season.

Watson refused to play for the Texans after the end of the 2020 season, which led to him missing the following year. However, that wasn’t the only reason he missed an entire year, as 24 women accused Watson of sexual assault in civil lawsuits.

While the team refused to trade him at first, Houston eventually sent the former first-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in a historic deal during the 2022 offseason. The Browns acquired the franchise quarterback for six draft picks, including a first-round selection in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

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Is Deshaun Watson Officially Reinstated?

Months after the Browns traded for the quarterback, the NFL handed down an 11-game suspension. However, Watson's suspension ended today, and the franchise quarterback joined the 53-man roster.

Should I Start Deshaun Watson In Week 13?

During the 11 games Watson missed, Jacoby Brissett played well. He has been a top-20 quarterback this season, averaging 15.3 fantasy points per game.

Despite Brissett’s productive play this season, there is no quarterback controversy. Watson will start on Sunday against his former team. However, should fantasy players start the star quarterback in his first game this year?

The last time Watson played in an NFL regular-season game was the final contest of the 2020 season. He had 365 passing yards, three touchdowns, and scored 25.8 fantasy points against the Tennessee Titans. However, it will be 700 days between his final game with the Texans and his first with the Browns.

Watson has been a fantasy superstar in his career. He has finished as a top-five quarterback every year of his career since his rookie season.

However, the matchup against his former team isn’t ideal. The Texans have held quarterbacks to only 12.6 fantasy points per game this season, one of the lowest averages in the NFL. Furthermore, they have given up only 10 passing touchdowns this season.

The superstar quarterback is rostered in only 43.1% of ESPN leagues. Fantasy players should add Watson off the waiver wire if he’s available. However, they should wait until Week 14 to start the Cleveland quarterback, as he has an appealing matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

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