Before jumping into some fantasy stuff, a quick segue into other fantasy stuff. A reminder that my top 400 rankings (yes, more than the usual 300) are available online through Pro Football Network; I update them daily, and often many times a day. In addition to the rankings, I have analyses on the correlation between ADP, player age, and player performance. There are also about 400 "range-of-outcome" player profiles. I've poured my fantasy heart into this. Sign up through the link at the bottom, and hit me up if you have questions.
Next, Deshaun Watson. Two days ago I wrote about Nick Chubb and enjoyed reading some of your thoughts about his 2022 potential. Now we have news of Watson's "final" suspension ruling: 11 games. Some thoughts.
First, no one knows if this is the last we'll hear about this. As I wrote last month, this isn't some box that can be closed forever. Another accuser could step forward. Video or audio could surface. Etc. This is the reality of someone who was already aware (through his own messages) that he was hurting others, whether deliberately or (according to his defense) unintentionally. This is the reality of someone at the center of a storm that isn't merely "he-said / she-said," but rather "he-said / 30-women-said." He assuredly won't receive grace or leniency if additional actions come to light that suggest vicious behavior, or even more "misunderstandings."
Now, Watson is due to return Week 13 against (of all teams) the Texans. He might be very rusty in his first couple games, and in fact, he might not be very good until 2023. It will have been about 22 months since he last played a game that counted (i.e. not the preseason).
And as I referenced the other day, the Browns' schedule before his return is pretty brutal, and Jacoby Brissett under center shouldn't inspire much confidence. So what if this team is 4-7 when Watson first takes the field? At what point do the Browns shelf their $230 million (guaranteed) investment until next season? How stupid would this franchise look if they started him in meaningless games in late December or January--and he tore his ACL? Tens of millions of dollars down the drain, and another lost season to come.
Some analysts were very excited about Watson's return when the suspension was only six games. Some analysts are pumping him up as a great investement now that his "ordeal" appears to be over.
My two cents: remain cautious about Watson and his impact on this team. If you draft him hoping to capitalize on the fantasy playoffs, consider that he has to be as good as his fans hope he'll be. Otherwise, there might be 10 or more other QBs who are better bets for the playoffs--and perhaps 32 if a non-playoff-bound Browns team plays it safe and looks ahead to 2023.
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Sign up for my 2022 Top 400 Fantasy Draft Rankings ("PFN Pass") or 1:1 Advisory Services ("Touchdown Pass"):
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Next, Deshaun Watson. Two days ago I wrote about Nick Chubb and enjoyed reading some of your thoughts about his 2022 potential. Now we have news of Watson's "final" suspension ruling: 11 games. Some thoughts.
First, no one knows if this is the last we'll hear about this. As I wrote last month, this isn't some box that can be closed forever. Another accuser could step forward. Video or audio could surface. Etc. This is the reality of someone who was already aware (through his own messages) that he was hurting others, whether deliberately or (according to his defense) unintentionally. This is the reality of someone at the center of a storm that isn't merely "he-said / she-said," but rather "he-said / 30-women-said." He assuredly won't receive grace or leniency if additional actions come to light that suggest vicious behavior, or even more "misunderstandings."
Now, Watson is due to return Week 13 against (of all teams) the Texans. He might be very rusty in his first couple games, and in fact, he might not be very good until 2023. It will have been about 22 months since he last played a game that counted (i.e. not the preseason).
And as I referenced the other day, the Browns' schedule before his return is pretty brutal, and Jacoby Brissett under center shouldn't inspire much confidence. So what if this team is 4-7 when Watson first takes the field? At what point do the Browns shelf their $230 million (guaranteed) investment until next season? How stupid would this franchise look if they started him in meaningless games in late December or January--and he tore his ACL? Tens of millions of dollars down the drain, and another lost season to come.
Some analysts were very excited about Watson's return when the suspension was only six games. Some analysts are pumping him up as a great investement now that his "ordeal" appears to be over.
My two cents: remain cautious about Watson and his impact on this team. If you draft him hoping to capitalize on the fantasy playoffs, consider that he has to be as good as his fans hope he'll be. Otherwise, there might be 10 or more other QBs who are better bets for the playoffs--and perhaps 32 if a non-playoff-bound Browns team plays it safe and looks ahead to 2023.
---
Sign up for my 2022 Top 400 Fantasy Draft Rankings ("PFN Pass") or 1:1 Advisory Services ("Touchdown Pass"):
https://pass.profootballnetwork.com/