In one of the most intriguing quarterback battles of the summer, the Cleveland Browns have named their Week 1 starter. Deshaun Watson has been named their starter, right after he made less-than-favorable comments about the fans in Cleveland.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 24, 2026It's far from impossible that Watson is just the better quarterback, but it also feels like the fix was in a bit because of the Browns needing to get some value out of Watson's disastrous trade and subsequent contract.
However, we will give Watson the benefit of the doubt because the Browns do have a strong defense, an excellent young running back, and they invested heavily into their pass-catchers in the 2026 NFL Draft. We will take a look at what Watson being named the starting quarterback in Cleveland means for fantasy football owners this season.
Fantasy Impact
QB Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
