Finding a good quarterback is hard enough, both in real life and fantasy. Finding a good quarterback who can also remain healthy might just be impossible. In a season headlined by injuries and poor quarterback play, Deshaun Watson and Daniel Jones might be the two frontrunners for best in that category. For Watson, the Browns appear ready to soar to new heights and truly compete thanks to an elite defense, but until the offense figures it out, Cleveland is more pretender than contender even after defeating the 49ers last week.
As for the Giants, disaster doesn't even begin to illustrate how awful this team has been. Jones hasn't been cleared for contact yet, and behind an offensive line that could put him in the hospital, it's a mystery why he'd want to be. Regardless of the mess these QBs have left, they are vital to Week 7's fantasy slate.
WEEK 7 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start 'em, sit 'em
Below, we'll give you the latest news on the list of important starting QBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 7 fantasy landscape.
WEEK 7 INJURY UPDATES:
RBs | WRs | McCaffrey | Deebo
Is Deshaun Watson playing Week 7?
UPDATE: Multiple sources have reported that Watson is expected to play barring a setback in pre-game warmups.
UPDATE 2: Watson is officially ACTIVE.
Watson (shoulder) appears ready to go for the Browns when they travel to Indianapolis for a 1 p.m. ET game on Sunday. He's officially listed as "questionable," but he made a steady climb in practice status all week long, going from a DNP on Wednesday to a limited practice on Thursday to a full practice on Friday. According to Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot, Watson had "zip" on the ball and took all the first-team reps, giving us reason for hope heading into game day.
WEEK 7 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
With six teams on bye and countless other injuries impacting the slate, Watson's ability to play would be a huge boost for those fantasy teams in a bind. It's unlikely he's available on your waiver wire, but it's worth checking if he was dropped out of frustration. Watson hasn't necessarily impressed in 2023, but he should still be an upgrade over the Browns' other options, which boosts the floor for a top receiving option this week like Amari Cooper. Considering Watson was unlikely to play until he got back to or near full strength, you can start him with confidence against a Colts' defense that has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
WEEK 7 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Is Daniel Jones playing Week 7?
UPDATE: ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Saturday afternoon that Jones is considered a "long shot" to play against the Commanders.
UPDATE 2: Jones is officially OUT.
Jones (neck) is listed as "questionable" heading into the Giants showdown against the Commanders on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. However, the team's decision to not rule him out might be even more questionable than Jones' status. The quarterback was limited to just throwing in Friday's practice, as he still hasn't been cleared for contact. There's been concern over Jones' neck injury, especially with the number of hits he's been taking this year along with history not being on his side. This is not the first neck injury that Jones has suffered in his career either, leading us to believe this is more gamesmanship from the Giants ahead of a must-win contest.
WEEK 7 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Without Jones, the Giants would be left to start Tyrod Taylor for the second week in a row. Taylor did an admirable job filling in for Jones in a game against the Bills that Big Blue really should've won. For all the praise, however, New York only mustered nine points and were unable to score from the one-yard line twice in the 14-9 loss. It remains difficult to trust any Giants players no matter the quarterback, leaving Saquon Barkley as the only must-start option on the team. Darren Waller is still a startable tight end thanks to the lack of depth at the position, and Wan'Dale Robinson is emerging as a PPR flex option thanks to his terrific volume.
