The returning Diego Llorente bagged the only goal of the game in the 18th minute when hooking home a finish from close range after a Raphinha corner.
The victory took Leeds out of the drop zone and on to six points after seven games played, three points clear of the bottom three and in 16th place heading into the October international break.
Southampton away is next.
Graham Smyth, the YEP's chief football writer, hands out the scores from Saturday's fixture at Elland Road.
7. Stuart Dallas
7 - More like himself. Didn't bring his shooting boots but got into so many good positions and covered so much ground. Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images.
8. Mateusz Klich
7- Influence waned in the second half after an excellent first half. Some great link up play, helped make attacks fluid. Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images.
9. Raphinha
8 - Another performance with plenty of menace, if not the reward. Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images.
10. Dan James
7 - A hardworking performance with a lot more impact than last week's showing. Troubled Watford with his pace. Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images.
11. Rodrigo
7 - Able to contribute more for longer. Showed his intelligence in the first half, caused plenty of problems. Kept going in the second half, carried a threat. Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images.
12. Tyler Roberts (sub)
7 - Unlucky not to score with the two shots cleared off the line. Looked dangerous on the break.