Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Deshaun Watson vs Mac JonesWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Deshaun Watson is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 12.2 PPG to Mac Jones's 11.8 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Deshaun Watson is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Deshaun Watson edges Mac Jones by 0.4 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, Deshaun Watson 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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QBCleveland Browns#99PPG LEADER

Deshaun Watson

PPG

12.2

Games

Pass Yds

2,105

Pass TDs

Rush Yds

185

Rush TDs

Bye

Week 10

QBSan Francisco 49ers#33

Mac Jones

PPG

11.8

Games

Pass Yds

2,151

Pass TDs

Bye

Week 8

The Edge Chart

Deshaun Watson

Mac Jones

Head to Head

12.2 PPG11.8 PPG

11 GP11 GP

Bye: Week 10Bye: Week 8

Fantasy Tiers

Deshaun Watson: Tier 5 (Deep League) QB (ranked #99 at the position). Mac Jones: Tier 4 (Bench/Bye Fill) QB (ranked #33 at the position). Among the top 32 quarterbacks this season, Deshaun Watson is producing at 55% of elite pace and Mac Jones at 54%. That ranking gap means Mac Jones carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Deshaun Watson vs Mac Jones: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Deshaun Watson finished the 2025 season at 12.2 PPG over 11 games with the Cleveland Browns, while Mac Jones clocked in at 11.8 across 11 appearances for the San Francisco 49ers. A 0.4-point gap means any given week could go either way.

With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.

Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Deshaun Watson threw for 2105 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Mac Jones posted 2151 yards and 13 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.

One scheduling note: Deshaun Watson is off Week 10 and Mac Jones Week 8. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in quarterback for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.

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: Deshaun Watson (age 27) is in his prime window. Peak production now with steady value for the next 3-4 seasons. Mac Jones (age 27) is in his prime window. Peak production now with steady value for the next 3-4 seasons.

Did You Know?

•Deshaun Watson outscored Mac Jones by a projected 7 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Deshaun Watson scored 14 total touchdowns in 2025 (1.3 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at quarterback.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Deshaun Watson vs Mac Jones: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Deshaun Watson	Mac Jones
PPG (Half-PPR)	12.2	11.8
Games Played	11	11
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	134	130
Passing Yards	2,105	2,151
Passing TDs	12	13
Pass Yds/Game	191.4	195.5
Rushing Yards	185	60
Rushing TDs	2	0
Total TDs	14	13
TDs/Game	1.3	1.2
Age	-	27
Experience	-	4 yrs
Bye Week	Week 10	Week 8

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Deshaun Watson holds the PPG edge with serviceable output at 12.2 points per game. Mac Jones averaged 11.8 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 Deshaun Watson or Mac Jones in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Deshaun Watson has the edge at 12.2 PPG compared to Mac Jones's 11.8 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 Deshaun Watson and Mac Jones average in 2025?▾

Deshaun Watson averaged 12.2 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 11 games in 2025. Mac Jones averaged 11.8 PPG over 11 games. That is a difference of 0.4 points per game.

When are Deshaun Watson and Mac Jones's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Deshaun Watson (CLE) has a bye in Week 10, and Mac Jones (SF) has a bye in Week 8. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Deshaun Watson or Mac Jones a better fantasy quarterback in 2026?▾

Deshaun Watson outscored Mac Jones by 0.4 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.