Deshaun Watson · Gardner Minshew II · 2026 week 9

Deshaun Watson or Gardner Minshew II?

Wondering who you should start this week — Deshaun Watson or Gardner Minshew II? The start/sit call and the numbers behind it are below, plus who wins a straight-up trade. Rebuilt nightly.

Start Deshaun WatsonDeshaun Watson projects 2.7 PPR points clear of Gardner Minshew II in week 9, drawing HOU — the 12th-ranked matchup for QBs. The numbers behind the call are below; overrule them with your eyes open.

Player	Wk 9	Proj (PPR)	Matchup	Form L3	Trade value	Status
Deshaun Watson START	vs HOU	14.2	12th	13.3	113	Questionable
Gardner Minshew II	@ SEA	11.5	31st · tough	19.5	101	healthy

QBs vs HOU recently: Cam Ward 6 pts (W5) · Trevor Lawrence 28.3 pts (W6) · J.J. McCarthy 10.2 pts (W7).

QBs vs SEA recently: Bo Nix 4.5 pts (W6) · Patrick Mahomes 7 pts (W7) · Caleb Williams 14 pts (W8).

🎓 The coach's read

Deshaun Watson projects 2.7 points higher in PPR.
Deshaun Watson faces HOU, 12th most generous to QBs.
Deshaun Watson is flagged WATCH.
Gardner Minshew II faces SEA, 31st most generous to QBs.

Who wins a straight-up trade?

Deshaun Watson carries the higher trade value — 113 against 101 (a 11% gap). In a one-for-one, the side receiving Deshaun Watson gets the most. Momentum: Deshaun Watson -21 and Gardner Minshew II +101 over the last 30 days.

Open in Start/Sit (any scoring) Open in the Trade Analyzer

More QB decisions

Deshaun Watson or J.J. McCarthy?Deshaun Watson or Geno Smith?Deshaun Watson or Jacoby Brissett?Gardner Minshew II or Geno Smith?Gardner Minshew II or Jacoby Brissett?

All numbers are the 2026 season, refreshed nightly.