What happened: Watson will start Week 1 after Cleveland's preseason quarterback competition. The decision landed two days after a 31-7 exhibition loss.
Why it matters: Watson carries a $40.9 million cap hit this season, adding financial weight to his place atop the depth chart. Saturday's home boos leave his first regular-season series under immediate scrutiny.
By the numbers: Watson completed 5 of 12 passes and threw one interception Saturday. His three post-trade PFF grades have remained below 70 after a 92.4 peak.
What to watch: Cleveland's remaining preseason work will show how the first-team offense is organized around Watson. His next competitive test comes in the season opener.