Winners
Deshaun Watson
While many are surprised that Cleveland was his destination by choice, this is the place he
wants to be. Watson will have the best offensive line he has ever had, and one of the best
running games in the NFL. And while Deandre Hopkins isn’t there to catch passes from Watson, Amari Cooper is no slouch. Watson got the bag, he got to choose where he was being traded to. Watson is easily a top 6 option for 2022.
Amari Cooper
Amari has been up and down his entire career regardless of his QB. In the past, he has shown top 12 upside at WR but has also disappointed on occasion. Before the Watson trade, Cooper’s outlook took a hit after being paired with Baker Mayfield instead of Dak Prescott. Now, Cooper is teamed up with an elite QB who raises Amari’s ceiling.
Nick Chubb
Chubb is one of, if not the best pure runners in the NFL. Chubb is a top 12 fantasy option with a bad offensive line. He is a top 8 guy with the great line he does have. Now, for the first time in his career, there is a legitimate quarterback in the backfield with him that will keep defenses honest. Chubb is a top 5 guy in 2022.
Davis Mills
It was pretty known that Watson was going to be dealt and that Mills was going to get a shot. But the fact that the Texans didn’t ask for Baker Mayfield in the trade says a lot to me about how they feel about Mills. While he was unspectacular in 2021, he did show some flashes as a guy that can win you a few games. Despite the fact that the offensive weapons in Houston are below average at best, the defense is really bad. The Texans will be trailing in most games in 2022, giving Mills lots of passing opportunities. He is not a regular starter for fantasy teams, but has the potential to be streamed in 1 QB leagues, and definitely rostered in 2QB/Superflex leagues.
Losers
Kareem Hunt
Deshaun Watson has historically not been someone that has thrown to his running backs on a consistent basis. Kareem Hunt is the Browns pass catching back while playing alongside Nick Chubb. While Hunt still does bring value because of his talent, and the Browns wanting to run the ball, he really needs those catches and receiving yards to be a RB2.
Baker Mayfield
Is there anything worse in life then simply being told “You are not good enough at your job and we are making an upgrade”? And having that all done in a very public way? That is exactly what Mayfield was told. On top of that, Mayfield will be along side his replacement until he can be shipped out. Baker’s stock is down and a clear avoid until further notice.
