Browns Super Bowl Odds Skyrocket Following Deshaun Watson Suspension Announcement
By Peter Dewey
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been suspended for six games by former federal judge Sue L. Robinson for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Deshaun Watson was suspended six games; he was not fined, per source. pic.twitter.com/8lWWvVXjBY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 1, 2022
Watson, who had more than two dozen allegations of sexual assault against him, did not play in the 2021 season, and now will miss at least six games in 2022. Cleveland traded for Watson this offseason and signed him to a massive five-year deal for $230 million fully guaranteed.
Robinson’s ruling isn’t final. The NFL has three days to appeal the suspension of Watson, but it could lead to the NFLPA filing a lawsuit against the league.
As a reminder, the NFL proposed to disciplinary officer Sue Robinson that Watson be suspended at least one year, while the NFLPA said he shouldn’t be suspended at all. Robinson did not merely split the difference here, which makes Roger Goodell’s next move very significant.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) August 1, 2022
It’s hard to get excited about Watson playing football again after the extremely-troubling allegations levied against him. However, for bettors that are wagering on the Browns, and Browns fans themselves, there has been some positive movement in Cleveland’s Super Bowl odds.
Browns Super Bowl Odds
The Browns have moved from +3000 to +2000 at BetMGM to win the Super Bowl this season following the news of Watson's suspension. Watson would still be able to play in 11 games for the team if his six-game suspension is upheld.
Browns are now +2000 to win the Super Bowl
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) August 1, 2022
The Browns odds have also moved at other books in other betting markets.
New AFC North Odds @FDSportsbook:
— PMS Odds (@PMSOdds) August 1, 2022
Now:
Ravens +170
Bengals +200
Browns +230
Steelers +950
Was:
Ravens +170
Bengals +185
Browns +260
Steelers +950
The Browns first six games are against the Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots. Jacoby Brissett will likely start those games for Cleveland with Josh Rosen as his backup.
Commissioner Roger Goodell could lobby for Watson’s suspension to be increased, which means you need to proceed with caution before betting on Cleveland.
Personally, I’ll be staying away from supporting any Watson action at all, but from a football perspective he is a massive upgrade for the Browns. Watson last played in the 2020 season for the Houston Texans and led the league in passing yards (4,823) while throwing 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He is a three-time Pro Bowler and has gone to the playoffs in two of his four seasons that he’s played in the NFL.
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.