Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Aidan O'Connell vs Deshaun WatsonWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Aidan O'Connell is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 12.8 PPG to Deshaun Watson's 12.2 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Aidan O'Connell is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Aidan O'Connell edges Deshaun Watson by 0.6 PPG, but both are in the same production tier. The decision comes down to weekly matchup, not season-long resume. If you are choosing between them in a draft, Aidan O'Connell goes slightly earlier based on volume, but do not reach for the difference.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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QBLas Vegas Raiders#99PPG LEADER

Aidan O'Connell

PPG

12.8

Games

Pass Yds

2,650

Pass TDs

Bye

Week 10

QBCleveland Browns#99

Deshaun Watson

PPG

12.2

Games

Pass Yds

2,105

Pass TDs

Rush Yds

185

Rush TDs

Bye

Week 10

The Edge Chart

Aidan O'Connell

Deshaun Watson

Head to Head

12.8 PPG12.2 PPG

13 GP11 GP

Bye: Week 10Bye: Week 10

Fantasy Tiers

Aidan O'Connell: Tier 5 (Deep League) QB (ranked #99 at the position). Deshaun Watson: Tier 5 (Deep League) QB (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 32 quarterbacks this season, Aidan O'Connell is producing at 58% of elite pace and Deshaun Watson at 55%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Aidan O'Connell vs Deshaun Watson: The Full Breakdown

Aidan O'Connell (12.8 PPG) and Deshaun Watson (12.2 PPG) produced nearly identical fantasy numbers in 2025. When two quarterbacks are this close on a per-game basis, the weekly matchup matters more than the season-long resume. Aidan O'Connell played 13 games for the Las Vegas Raiders; Deshaun Watson suited up 11 times for the Cleveland Browns.

A 0.6-point per-game gap over a full season is essentially noise. It means one extra catch, one fewer target, or a single broken play away from flipping the script. For a weekly start/sit call between these two, matchup analysis matters far more than the season line.

Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Aidan O'Connell threw for 2650 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Deshaun Watson posted 2105 yards and 12 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.

One thing to note: both players share a Week 10 bye. That means you need a backup plan at quarterback for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Aidan O'Connell (age 27) is in his prime window. Peak production now with steady value for the next 3-4 seasons. Deshaun Watson (age 27) is in his prime window. Peak production now with steady value for the next 3-4 seasons.

Did You Know?

•Aidan O'Connell outscored Deshaun Watson by a projected 10 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Aidan O'Connell played 13 games in 2025 compared to Deshaun Watson's 11. That durability gap means Aidan O'Connell contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Aidan O'Connell scored 16 total touchdowns in 2025 (1.2 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at quarterback.
•Both players share a Week 10 bye. If you roster both, you will need a replacement at the position that week.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Aidan O'Connell vs Deshaun Watson: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Aidan O'Connell	Deshaun Watson
PPG (Half-PPR)	12.8	12.2
Games Played	13	11
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	166	134
Passing Yards	2,650	2,105
Passing TDs	16	12
Pass Yds/Game	203.8	191.4
Rushing Yards	68	185
Rushing TDs	0	2
Total TDs	16	14
TDs/Game	1.2	1.3
Bye Week	Week 10	Week 10

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Aidan O'Connell holds the PPG edge with serviceable output at 12.8 points per game. Deshaun Watson averaged 12.2 PPG. Season averages are a starting point, not the final word. For a full AI analysis factoring matchup quality, recent form, injury impact, and game script, download DraftCall and get a verdict backed by real data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Aidan O'Connell or Deshaun Watson in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Aidan O'Connell has the edge at 12.8 PPG compared to Deshaun Watson's 12.2 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Aidan O'Connell and Deshaun Watson average in 2025?▾

Aidan O'Connell averaged 12.8 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 13 games in 2025. Deshaun Watson averaged 12.2 PPG over 11 games. That is a difference of 0.6 points per game.

Do Aidan O'Connell and Deshaun Watson share a bye week?▾

Yes, both Aidan O'Connell and Deshaun Watson share a Week 10 bye in 2026. If you roster both, you will need a fill-in at quarterback for that week.

Is Aidan O'Connell or Deshaun Watson a better fantasy quarterback in 2026?▾

Aidan O'Connell outscored Deshaun Watson by 0.6 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.