Fantasy Football Impact of Deshaun Watson’s 11 Game Suspension

Looks like Deshaun Watson will be out for a bit.

The controversial Cleveland Browns Quarterback has been suspended 11 games and fined $5 million, according to multiple reports. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appealed the punishment under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy, and appointed New Jersey’s former attorney general Peter Harvey as the designee to hear the case. The NFL and NFLPA ended up reaching an agreement on the punishment before Harvey ruled.

See Adam Schefter’s report below:

Breaking: NFL and NFLPA reached agreement on an 11-game suspension for Browns QB Deshaun Watson, per sources. The settlement also includes a fine of $5 million that will go to charity. Deal still is not signed but it is agreed to. pic.twitter.com/2dFvcePL9k

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2022

Fantasy Impact:  With his status now known, Watson ranks as low as QB50 on some rankings, but that’s only going to drop even further now. After serving his 11 game suspension, Deshaun Watson will make his return to the field against his former team, the Houston Texans, in Week 13. At that point you either already have the Browns other starter on your roster, which is Jacoby Brissett, or perhaps Jimmy Garoppolo if they end up trying to trade for the Niners QB. But you can also draft Watson in the late rounds if you feel like you’re weak at the QB position.

With most fantasy leagues starting their  playoffs in week 13-14, Watson could be a nice addition to bolster your playoff roster, but who knows how he’ll fare after literally two years away from playing football. Since Watson won’t be suspended for the whole season, he will however be able to continue practicing and playing in preseason games. This will give Watson more time with the team in preseason and giving him more of a shot at being effective in the last six games of the season.

In redraft formats, all Browns fantasy players will take a bit of a hit with the step down from Watson to Jacoby Brissett, especially the pass-catchers. Consider drafting Watson as a late-round flyer to help your fantasy team win games down the stretch.

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