When speaking about the 2017 NFL Draft, people are quick to mention Patrick Mahomes as the best quarterback in that draft. As that might be true, Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans is also great in own right.
In that draft, Mahomes was taken with the 10th overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs. Then, a couple picks later, the Texans were able to land Watson with the 12th overall pick.
In his rookie season, Watson immediately showed he could be a franchise quarterback in the NFL. In 2017, Watson began his rookie campaign with 19 touchdowns and 1,699 yards in six starts. He was a must-start in fantasy football in those six weeks.
Then, a torn ACL in practice during the season ended his rookie season prematurely. Nonetheless, Watson was on-pace for nearly 4,500 yards and 50 touchdowns but an injury prevented him from smashing rookie records.
Last season, no one knew what to expect from the Texans franchise quarterback coming back from an injury. Watson accepted the challenge and put up 331.7 fantasy points in ESPN standard leagues.
At the end of the 2018 season, Watson was the fourth highest-scoring quarterback in fantasy football. The only quarterbacks ahead of him were Patrick Mahomes (417.1 points), Matt Ryan (354 points), and Ben Roethlisberger (340.9 points).
What makes Watson a viable quarterback in fantasy is his ability to score with his legs. So what can we expect from Watson in his third season in the NFL, in terms of fantasy football?
In 2018, Watson threw for 4,165 yards in his second season as the Texans starting quarterback. Watson showed vast improvements as a passer in 2018 and will likely continue improving in 2019.
As a result, Watson could surpass the number of passing yards he had in 2018 by throwing for 4,500 yards. Having a weapon like DeAndre Hopkins doesn't hurt his cause.
Touchdowns haven't been a problem for Watson in his first two seasons in the NFL. In his two seasons combined, Watson has 45 passing touchdowns in 22 starts.
If Watson can maintain near his average of two passing touchdowns per game, then Watson could throw for 32 touchdowns. Turnovers haven't been a glaring issue with Watson throwing just 17 interceptions in two seasons.
With that in mind, Watson will improve his decision-making and throw just eight interceptions in 2019. Again, Watson is a threat to run the ball too so we'll predict his rushing stats as well.
More so last year than his rookie season, Watson was comfortable tucking the ball down and running the ball. The Pro Bowl quarterback ran the ball 99 times for 551 yards and five touchdowns.
There are a few quarterbacks in the NFL who are dangerous in the air and on the ground. Among them, Watson ranked third in yards and touchdowns.
This year, Watson should see a few more opportunities to run with a healthy offseason this year. Although, the Texans offensive line will need to protect Watson better after allowing 62 sacks in 2018 (most in NFL).
Watson could see 110 carries in 2019 with more called rushing plays for the third-year quarterback. With more touches, Watson will rush for 650 yards and six touchdowns.
Last season, Watson played in his first playoff game but struggled in the Texans' loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Heading into 2019, Watson is projected to have another impressive campaign this year.
In his third season, Watson could throw for 4,500 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions through the air. Then, in the running game, he'll add 110 rushes for 650 yards and six scores.
If Watson posts those numbers, he'll be considered an MVP candidate and a reliable option at quarterback in fantasy football.
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