Deshaun Watson, QB, Houston Texans
25 for 34, 283 Yards, 4 Touchdowns, 1 Interception
4 Rushes, 24 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Performance Score: 99; NEP: +24.61
Just one week after announcing his presence to the NFL in a near upset of the New England Patriots, Deshaun Watson was at it again on Sunday, scoring five touchdowns in the Houston Texans' demolition of the Tennessee Titans. With the rookie under center, the Texans hung 57 points on Tennessee, staking their claim to the division lead.
What Watson lacks right now in accuracy and ball placement, he more than makes up for with a natural playmaking ability, manipulating defenders with his movement in and out of the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield. And with his offensive line progressing into a more competent unit than when the season started, the rookie is being provided more time to scan the field to find open targets.
With deep threat Will Fuller back for the first time this season, the Texans featured more weapons in the passing game beyond just DeAndre Hopkins, who leads the NFL with 49 targets. Fuller added two touchdown receptions in his debut, and the team is also getting a strong contribution from newcomer Bruce Ellington.
But it all revolves around Watson, whose mobility also adds an element to his value both in fantasy and as an NFL quarterback. After back-to-back strong performances, Watson is must-see TV right now and is becoming a strong contributor.
Best of the Rest
Quarterbacks | Pass | Att. | Pass Yards | Pass TDs | INT | Rush | Rush Yards | Rush TDs | Performance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cam Newton | 22 | 29 | 316 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 44 | 1 | 98 |
Russell Wilson | 21 | 26 | 295 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 38 | 1 | 94 |
Tom Brady | 32 | 45 | 307 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 92 |
Andy Dalton | 25 | 30 | 286 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 29 | 0 | 91 |
Alex Smith | 27 | 37 | 293 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 56 | 1 | 89 |