Several high-profile players are injured and their status merits watching as we approach Sunday. For example, the Cincinnati Bengals' franchise quarterback Joe Burrow is dealing with calf soreness from the injury he suffered during training camp, and his status for the team's game on ESPN’s Monday Night Football is in jeopardy.
Bengals’ HC Zac Taylor said Joe Burrow will not practice fully, if he even practices due to his lingering calf injury, and it will continue to be a day-to-day situation as to whether the QB can play Monday night vs. the Rams.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2023
Regardless, we must be able to maneuver our way through these injuries and make the right start/sit decisions to overcome any injuries.
Be sure to have this QB, RB, WR, and TE in your lineups because they’re primed for huge fantasy football performances in Week 3.
QB: Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
It has been an ugly start to the 2023 campaign for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, but now he has a welcomed matchup against the Tennessee Titans. They’re a bottom-five defense in terms of opponent passing yards per game through two weeks, and are the best run defense in the NFL. Dating back to last season, only three running backs (Saquon Barkley, Samaje Perine, and Josh Jacobs) have eclipsed 80 yards from scrimmage against the Titans.
With Nick Chubb now out for the year with a season-ending knee injury, the Browns are going to have to rely on their $230 million quarterback to score points and give them a chance to win every week. His mobility and dual-threat ability give him a boost and should ensure he remains a big part of the Browns gameplan, even if they continue their run-heavy approach. Watson has recorded at least five carries in both games this season, adding 33.5 yards per game and scoring a touchdown with his legs.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski and the Browns' offensive plan of attack this week should be trying to expose the Titans secondary, especially since they should expect to have difficulty running the ball against this stout run defense.