Deshaun Watson projections 2022: Fantasy stats, betting odds, Cleveland Browns player profile, season outlook, simulations

Despite not playing a game in 2021, Deshaun Watson's 2022 fantasy football outlook seemed to be trending up on August 1st when he was only due to be suspended for six games. That changed on August 18th when Watson and the league agreed to up the suspension five games with an additional fine of five million dollars. Now Watson won't return until at least Week 13 on December 4th. It's a conundrum for fantasy managers in that Watson may not help them very much this season.

There is an argument to the contrary, however. Watson very well could be starter-worthy in fantasy leagues upon his return against his former team, Houston, in December. With a traditional fantasy playoff schedule (Weeks 15-17) of Baltimore, New Orleans, and at Washington, the former Texans QB becomes relevant if the Browns remain in the playoff race. That seems questionable at best considering Cleveland's midseason gauntlet of a schedule might be too much for Jacoby Brissett to navigate through.

Watson struggled in limited action in his new team's first preseason game vs. Jacksonville, going 1 for 5 passing for 7 yards. While it's much too early to be concerned, he does bring a significant risk / reward contribution to both his team and his fantasy managers down the stretch. Watson likely isn't worth drafting unless leagues offer an "NA" position or similar where he could be stashed not counting against an active roster.

Is Deshaun Watson worth drafting in 2022 fantasy drafts? Find out where he ranks in our 2022 Fantasy Football Rankings.

So which players are poised for breakouts, which sleepers do you need to jump on, and which busts should you avoid at all costs in your Fantasy football league? Join SportsLine now to get optimized 2022 Fantasy football rankings and cheat sheets, plus see which QB shocks the NFL with a top-five performance, all from the model that out-performed experts big-time last season!

Deshaun Watson Fantasy football projections (via SportsLine's projection model) 

134 completions, 1,613 attempts, 4,979 yards, 10 TDs, 4 INTs
39 rushes, 220 yards, 3 TDs
142 Fantasy points (non-PPR); 147.7 (PPR)

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