Aaron Rodgers vs. Deshaun Watson - Who Should I Draft in 2024 Fantasy Football?

Should fantasy football players draft Aaron Rodgers or Deshaun Watson during their 2024 fantasy drafts? Joey Pollizze examines the case for both quarterbacks.

Fantasy football drafts are right around the corner, which means managers are starting to do their research. With voluntary OTAs currently going on, we are one step closer to draft season.

Draft season, though, might be one of the most stressful times for fantasy managers, so here at RotoBaller, we want to make things easier. Leading up to drafts this summer, RotoBaller will compare several players -- who have similar ADPs -- and decide who managers should be taking.

In this article, we will decide if fantasy managers should take Aaron Rodgers or Deshaun Watson, both quarterbacks coming off season-ending injuries. So, let's dive in and find out the answer.

• 2025 fantasy football rankings
• Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
• Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
• Best ball fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Aaron Rodgers 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

The New York Jets made a splash last offseason by acquiring Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers for multiple picks. However, we never got to see that play out, as the future Hall of Fame quarterback tore his Achilles just four snaps into the new season. As a result, we don't really know what to expect from the 40-year-old in 2024.

🚨 AARON RODGERS NO-LOOK PASS 🚨 pic.twitter.com/bNkEpCQs5p

— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 22, 2024

Fantasy managers know how great Rodgers can be in fantasy with 10 top-seven fantasy finishes over his 19-year career. But they also remember the last full season we saw from him in 2022 when he finished as the QB13. That's why drafting the veteran in fantasy this year is surely a risk.

Nonetheless, expect Rodgers to bounce back in 2024 in a solid offense in New York. The Jets have revamped the offensive line in recent years by signing Tyron Smith in free agency and taking an offensive lineman in the first round in two of the past four drafts (Alijah Vera-Tucker and Olu Fashanu). Also, having a superstar wideout like Garrett Wilson will help the 40-year-old big time in the passing game.

Deshaun Watson 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Like Rodgers, it was a disappointing 2023 season for Watson. He played in only six games after missing most of the season with a shoulder injury. However, even when he played, he struggled to produce much.

#Browns Deshaun Watson going through drills at OTAs pic.twitter.com/Mr3qt088NT

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 22, 2024

He threw an interception in four of his six starts and only scored above 19 fantasy points twice. Nonetheless, things could get better for Watson in 2024, as the team traded for Jerry Jeudy this offseason. With a solid receiving corps of Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, Jeudy, and David Njoku and a top offensive line protecting him, there isn't much holding back Watson from finishing as a top-10 fantasy quarterback.

Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?

When looking at the two quarterbacks, Watson has the bigger upside in fantasy, while Rodgers has the higher floor. So, it will depend on how your team looks until now. Given Watson's rushing ability, he's likely the better pick in 2024. He rushed for at least 20 yards in four of six games last season, and his offensive line should be healthier in 2024.

More Fantasy Football Analysis