The Cleveland Browns have chosen their quarterback for the start of the 2026 NFL season, but there is ongoing debate about why Deshaun Watson is starting Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, instead of Shedeur Sanders. First-year head coach Todd Monken made the decision, yet Watson’s past performance hasn’t justified his hefty $230 million contract, leaving fans puzzled.

In a preseason home game against the Buffalo Bills, fans booed Watson, which led him to describe the reaction as “disrespectful” and “personal.” As Watson prepares for his first regular season since tearing his Achilles in 2024, one former NFL star predicts Watson will face intense scrutiny, with talk of him possibly being replaced by Week 3 if initial performances disappoint.

“If they start 0-2, a change will happen,” Chad Ochocinco stated in an interview. He reflected on the scheduling challenges, mentioning the Browns’ early encounters with the Jaguars and Tampa Bay before their home opener against the Carolina Panthers.

Ochocinco, who has voiced his opinions on his “Nightcap” podcast with Shannon Sharpe, emphasizes that the competition for the quarterback position seemed superficial. He explained that Watson’s $46 million salary indicated that he was never at risk of losing his starting role before the season began.

From the fans’ viewpoint, there’s an understanding of their frustration. Watson’s journey from his trade with the Houston Texans has been fraught with setbacks, including injuries and an 11-game suspension in 2022. In 19 games for the Browns, the team has gone 9-10 under Watson’s leadership, a stark contrast to his earlier performance with the Texans, where he had a higher passer rating.

“The fans are disillusioned,” Ochocinco noted, explaining that Watson hasn’t inspired the support fans hoped for. The recurring sentiment is that winning could mend these rifts; Watson’s performances and results in the first two weeks will be pivotal.

Ochocinco believes a winning start to the season, beating Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, would reignite fan support. “Winning heals all wounds,” he argued. Even a 1-1 start might renew their faith, given the Browns’ historic struggles.

Beyond the Browns’ challenges, Ochocinco is excited about the new football season and his partnership with DraftKings. “DraftKings Gameday,” announced to take place on September 2, aims to elevate fan engagement across all states. This initiative includes free gas promotions and in-app experiences, further enhancing the season’s kickoff.