Instant Analysis: Deshaun Watson Lost for the Season

Bobby Koch Posted On November 3, 2017

I’m at a loss for words. By now, you’ll have heard that Texans star Deshaun Watson has suffered an ACL tear on a non-contact injury during practice. Watson was easily one of the best parts of this football season, and we here at Dynasty League Football all wish him a speedy recovery. However, it’s also our job to provide you, the readers, with the impact this has on dynasty values.

Deshaun Watson, QB HOU

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Deshaun Watson was on a historic pace for his rookie season. In fact, since 1950 he is the one of three rookie quarterback to have 15 or more passing touchdowns in the first eight games of the season. What’s even more impressive is he only started six of those games. In case you didn’t notice, his 19 touchdowns in eight games are the rookie record. Oh, and did I mention that post-merger he tied the rookie record for 3+ passing touchdowns set by Peyton Manning, Marcus Mariota, and Dak Prescott?

This led many, including myself, to drastically move Deshaun Watson up their quarterback rankings. He was my QB7, and according to the DLF consensus was at QB11 at the time of this writing. The Texans’ offense was humming with him at the helm, and now it will come to a screeching halt.

Tom Savage will take over if the injury is confirmed, and that should not lead to great enthusiasm from anyone. Savage started back in week one to the tune of seven completed passes for 62 yards and no touchdowns. This is a huge blow to the Texans offense, Deshaun Watson’s likely rising ADP, and football fans everywhere. Selfishly I hope Watson is ok enough to play so I can keep watching him, but ultimately, I want him to do whatever is best for him.

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DeAndre Hopkins, WR HOU

Just when you thought you were safe as a DeAndre Hopkins owner, this happens. To date, Hopkins has been the WR2 on the season in .5PPR leagues and has put up 20 or more points with Watson at the helm three times in their six games played together. You might be reassured that Hopkins scored 15 points in week one when Savage started, but not so fast! Watson entered that game while Savage struggled, and that’s when Hopkins scored his touchdown. Watson being out for the season would hurt Hopkins value badly, but may present a good buy-low opportunity.

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Will Fuller, WR HOU

As much as this hurts DeAndre Hopkins, multiply that by infinity for Fuller. The Watson-Fuller deep ball connection was developing into a true bromance. Sure, Fuller likely could not have kept up the touchdown pace but he was seemingly targeted deep every other play. He went from a guy I’d never leave on my bench again this season to likely not even startable. Pay attention to how severe the Watson injury is. If it seems he will be back in time for next season, buy Fuller all day long after a few bad games.

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Lamar Miller, RB HOU

Lamar Miller has played well enough to be the RB13 in .5PPR formats. His worst game of the season was back in week three when he had 63 yards from scrimmage. That means he’s been reliable in terms of fantasy points. You know what helps a running game? The threat of the quarterback going deep any time. You may have guessed what’s coming next, but yes, if Watson is injured it negatively impacts Miller too. It may hurt Miller the most because he has D’Onta Foreman breathing down his neck and he could be cut by the Texans next season. He needs a strong season to show he belongs as a starter.

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Texans Tight Ends

They were not startable before. They certainly are not now.

As I was writing this article, the news broke that the Texans are signing Matt McGloin. Without knowing the results of the MRI yet, that certainly suggests they think Deshaun Watson’s season could be over. I’m truly heartbroken by the news today, and hope he gets well soon.

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