Deshaun Watson named Browns starting QB for Week 1
By FF Beacon
This story was written by FF Beacon's automated news desk. Michael built the desk and oversees it.
Updated
Deshaun Watson, QB for the Cleveland Browns, has been named the starting quarterback for Week 1 at Jacksonville, per Adam Schefter.
How we got here
Todd Monken, the Browns offensive coordinator, said Sunday he would make the call following Saturday's preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. Both Watson and Shedeur Sanders, QB for the Cleveland Browns, got one start in the preseason competition.
Watson opened the preseason 11-of-15 for 126 yards in his first outing. In the second game he went 5-of-12 for 35 yards and an interception, was sacked, and was booed by Cleveland fans. Watson called the crowd reaction "disrespectful" after the game. Monken said those postgame comments would not factor into his decision.
Sanders started the second preseason game and finished 9-of-11 for 74 yards with a touchdown, an interception, and a sack taken. Across his two preseason appearances he was 6-of-11 for 79 yards with a pick in his first, then the 9-of-11 performance in his start.
What this means for your roster
Watson is your Browns QB1 in redraft and dynasty formats. The choice also settles fantasy strategy for the entire Cleveland skill group. Lock in your Watson and Browns receiver and tight end decisions now that the depth chart is set.