Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson not only had a rough season opener in the blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but he's facing a new civil lawsuit alleging he sexually assaulted a woman in 2020. Despite Watson's struggles in Week 1, there is a belief in the building that Watson can rediscover his on-field magic and there have been no talks about benching him in favor of Jameis Winston or Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Watson's contract has been the subject of media scrutiny the last several days, but there are too many unknowns to say anything definitively. However, there appears to be a chance the Browns could void guarantees in Watson's contract if he didn't alert the team about the new civil suit and an NFL investigation reveals the lawsuit to be credible. On the field, Watson is quickly falling in the QB2 ranks as he heads into a Week 2 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson turned in a disappointing outing in a Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran signal-caller will look to bounce back in a road matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Jacksonville's defense struggled to contain opposing quarterbacks in 2023, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to the position and just over 18 fantasy points to Tua Tagovailoa in Week 1 this season. That being said, Watson's recent struggles don't evoke much confidence in him in fantasy, even in a favorable matchup. Treat him as a low-end QB2 heading into Week 2.

From RotoBaller

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler doesn't think it's quite time for the Cleveland Browns to consider replacing quarterback Deshaun Watson with backup Jameis Winston after the former looked pretty bad in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. In Watson's defense, the Browns were playing without their top two offensive tackles against a strong Cowboys defense. Fowler believes the Browns will give Watson a healthy run to prove himself, but he also hasn't looked like the same QB who starred for the Texans from 2017-20. There are concerns about whether Watson can regain his fastball after shoulder surgery, but people with the Browns have been adamant that they saw glimpses of the old Watson during the preseason. But until we actually see that in the regular season, Watson's fantasy stock continues to plummet heading into Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson will start in Week 2, despite the new lawsuit that has been filed against him, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Fantasy Spin: Watson was the QB18 in Week 1, and he'll remain an option strictly in two-QB leagues.

From TheHuddle

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, released a statement on his client's behalf on Wednesday denying recent allegations of more sexual misconduct against him. "Deshaun strongly denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday. We have asked him not to comment further while this matter works its way through the courts, but are comfortable he will ultimately be vindicated," Hardin wrote in the statement. "We will be ready to defend this case in court at the appropriate time, but don't intend to conduct our defense in the media. We would ask that people be patient while the legal process runs its course." In the meantime, the NFL doesn't plan to put Watson on the commissioner's exempt list, so he will be active as a QB2 in fantasy in Week 2 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars after a poor showing in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson will not be placed on the commissioner's exempt list following the latest sexual assault allegation against him, per source on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

From TheHuddle

The NFL doesn't plan on placing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on the commissioner's exempt list in light of a new civil lawsuit stemming from a 2020 allegation since there have been no criminal charges, and the league's review of the situation has just begun. "We are reviewing the complaint and we will look into the matter under the Personal Conduct Policy," an NFL public-relations person said. The 28-year-old served an 11-game suspension in 2022 after two dozen women accused him of sexual assault during massage sessions, but this new lawsuit accuses him of sexual assault and batter in 2020. Another suspension for the Browns QB could be coming, but it most likely will be delayed until the legal process plays out. In addition to new legal issues, Watson looked terrible in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and he'll be firmly on the QB2 radar for a Week 2 meeting with Jacksonville.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | Deshaun Watson has been named in a civil lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault in 2020. Dynasty Analysis: As if the week couldn't get worse for Watson, who was putrid in Cleveland's season opener. This case will simply be added to the mound of 25 (yes, 25) different civil lawsuits that have come his way. Watson has settled 23 of those thus far. The NFL will monitor the situation and it may be unlikely he faces further discipline since he's already been punished for the other large group of lawsuits. Regardless, this is yet another red flag against Watson, whose career looks to be spiraling down the tubes since his trade to Cleveland. Stay tuned.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was sued on Monday in Houston for sexual assault and battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The accusations are very similar to those that were made against Watson in more than 20 lawsuits filed back in 2021, and the plaintiff is represented by Tony Buzbee, who represented many others who sued Watson in 2021. It's possible that Watson could be subject to further scrutiny under the league's personal-conduct policy, and it's also possible that a suspension could give the Browns a path toward voiding his remaining salary guarantees and ending the relationship. The biggest difference between this new case and the others is that Watson is specifically accused of sexual assault. After a terrible Week 1 performance against the Cowboys on Sunday, now Watson has yet another legal issue hanging over his head.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 24-of-45 passes for 169 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the Browns loss against Dallas. Dynasty Analysis: Oh boy. Watson's 3.8 yards per attempt is beyond anemic and he simply looks nothing like he once did in Houston. While this was his first game action in a number of months, this was still concerning, despite Watson complaining about arm soreness the past few weeks. In short, today's game did nothing to throw any cold water on the notion that Watson is simply cooked. He's a low-end QB2 at this point and one who likely shouldn't be in fantasy lineups.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson completed 24-of-45 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, while adding 39 rushing yards on five attempts.

From TheHuddle

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 24 of his 45 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while adding 39 yards on five carries in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. It was a rough afternoon for Watson, who did not look comfortable for much of the game while going against a fierce Dallas pass rush. His lone touchdown pass was a six-yard completion to Jerry Jeudy in the third quarter. Watson should have had another touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter as he threw a strike near the goal line to a wide-open Amari Cooper, who let the ball slip between his hands for an incompletion. While the offense's sluggish start to the season is concerning for Browns fans and fantasy gamers rostering Watson alike, it is worth noting that the Cowboys have an excellent defense, so better times could still be ahead. That said, Watson looks like a middling QB2 heading into a Week 2 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will kick off his 2024 season with a tough road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Watson did not see any game action in the preseason after his 2023 campaign was cut short by a shoulder injury suffered during Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens, so there may be a bit of rust to knock off for the signal-caller. The Cowboys represent a tough matchup for Watson as they allowed just the 26th-most fantasy points per game to the quarterback position last season. Watson's tenure with the Browns has been marked by inconsistency, although he will play with the best group of pass catchers he has had since joining the team two years ago. Treat Watson as a low-end QB2 with some upside for the season opener.

From RotoBaller

The Cleveland Browns restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson's contract, freeing up $35.83 million in cap space. $44.79 million of Watson's 2024 base salary was converted to a signing bonus to create the extra cap space, which Cleveland now leads the league in with over $62 million. It's an interesting move by the organization, and it could mean they have their eye on a few transactions before the start of the 2024 campaign. However, that is not being reported. This season presents a prove-it year for Watson, who has struggled in just 12 game appearances over the last two seasons since being traded from the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson restructured his contract Thursday, Aug. 29, to convert $44.79 million of his 2024 base salary into a signing bonus and create $35.832 million in salary cap space, per source. Cleveland now has over $62 million in cap space, which is the most in the entire NFL.

Fantasy Spin: Watson sat out of the preseason finale due to arm soreness, but he's expected to be a full-go for the season. He's a really meager QB2 option in fantasy best served in two-QB leagues.

From TheHuddle

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski isn't concerned about the health of quarterback Deshaun Watson (arm). He didn't suit up for the team's preseason finale versus the Seattle Seahawks. However, Stefanski downplayed any speculation regarding Watson's "arm soreness," stating he feels "great" about the signal-caller's health. In addition, Stefanski expects Watson to participate fully in upcoming practices, although he's already comfortable with the amount of work his quarterback has put in this offseason. While the coach isn't concerned, the same can't be said for fantasy managers, considering Watson's limited time on the field in the last few seasons. But the Browns open the season in a few weeks against the Cowboys, so many questions will get answered.

From RotoBaller

The Cleveland Browns have ruled out quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) for their preseason finale on Saturday night against the Seattle Seahawks. Watson, who has not played since having season-ending shoulder surgery last November, is next slated to play in the team's regular-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys in early September. It's not really a surprise after the 28-year-old signal-caller was held back in Wednesday's practice with general arm soreness. With Watson sitting on Saturday, backup Jameis Winston will draw the start versus Seattle. Watson is best considered as a QB2 with upside in fantasy after playing in a total of 12 games the last two years with Cleveland due to injuries. The former first-rounder proved in 2020 with the Houston Texans, though, that he has clear QB1 upside, throwing for a league-high 4,823 yards with 33 TDs and only seven interceptions.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) participated fully in practice on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday with "general arm soreness." While there's no update yet on if Watson will face the Seahawkson Saturday night in the preseason finale at Lumen Field, it's more important to see he's back in action for the Browns on Thursday. The 28-year-old former Pro Bowler is coming off a rough season in Cleveland, dealing with a rotator cuff contusion, getting benched due to poor play altogether in Week 7, and eventually undergoing season-ending surgery to repair a fractured shoulder. Even with Watson being treated as a QB2 choice in fantasy drafts this summer, his rushing upside gives him QB1 potential if he can return to the form he once showed with the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (arm) was removed from practice early on Wednesday due to "general arm soreness," according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. The Browns' head coach, Kevin Stefanski, later said that this was a precautionary move and that he's "not overly concerned." Watson has missed most of the last few NFL seasons due to injuries and issues off the field, but he was a fantasy superstar back in 2020 with the Houston Texans, throwing for a league-high 4,823 yards and a career-high 33 touchdowns. The Browns organization and fantasy managers alike now hope that the 28-year-old can regain that form and have a productive season as the team's QB1, but until that happens, he's best drafted as a QB2 with upside.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson (arm) was limited during practice Wednesday, Aug. 21, because of arm soreness.

From TheHuddle