Browns predicted to see Deshaun Watson undo good start with brutal game vs. Jets image
The Cleveland Browns are heading into Week 5 with a surprising 3-1 record. With a real chance of standing alone atop the AFC North after five weeks in play, there's plenty of reason to be optimistic about the Browns this season.
However, there are some warning signs that point towards some regression coming for the Browns. Their schedule has been easy, and Deshaun Watson has not been much better than a game manager so far. It's worked, but it might not work for long.
ESPN's Seth Walder is predicting things will blow up for Watson in Week 5 against the New York Jets. He's predicting Watson undoes the positive momentum he's built with a brutal Week 5 performance that results in a horrendous QBR under 30 in a big loss.
Browns' Deshaun Watson predicted to have horrible game vs. Jets
"Browns QB Deshaun Watson will record a QBR under 30," Walder predicts. "Yes, he has played better. But I also think it has been overstated: Watson recorded just a 53 QBR last week, and that does not significantly move the needle on the type of player he will be moving forward."
So far in 2026, Watson has a 58.6 QBR with 855 passing yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions in four games. While not horrible production, it's all middle of the pack.
More importantly, his Week 1 performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars was incredibly disappointing, and if it weren't for games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers, two bad defenses, then Watson might not be the starter right now.
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Of course, his Week 4 performance against the Steelers in primetime was encouraging. But, as Walder highlighted, it was just a decent game, and nothing overly special.
Watson being predicted to have a horrible Week 5 performance against the Jets might be a bit of a surprise, considering the Jets are not one of the best teams in the league at 1-3.
But their defense is not that bad, and as Walder highlights, "The Jets' defense has been OK -- 17th best EPA allowed per play -- and I think it helps pull out a New York win."
Through the first four weeks of the season, Watson has impressed. But it would not be a surprise if he regressed and had a rough game against a stingy Jets team that can make some noise.
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