Cleveland Browns 2022 NFL Season Betting Preview (Can Jacoby Brissett Step Up and Keep Season Alive?)

The Cleveland Browns traded away the house for Deshaun Watson. Then, they signed him to the most guaranteed money ever offered at the time in an NFL contract, and did so despite 24 ongoing sexual misconduct lawsuits accusing the former Houston Texans quarterback of "coercive and lewd sexual behavior."

He's since been suspended by the NFL for 11 games, and until he returns, Jacoby Brissett will take over in the starting role.

How will the franchise respond to their self-inflicted controversy, and (rightfully) negative reaction from many within the fanbase?

Let's dive into everything you need to know to bet on them in 2022.

Don't forget to check out the full list of team previews here. We'll release one each day until all 32 NFL teams are covered.

Cleveland Browns 2022 Offseason Moves, Signings, Coaching Changes

• Traded three 1st round picks, one 3rd round picks, and two fourth round picks for QB Deshaun Watson + 6th round pick
• Traded away QB Baker Mayfield to Panthers for 4th or 5th round pick
• Traded for CB Troy Hill from Rams for 5th round pick
• Signed QB Jacoby Brissett
• Drafted CB Martin Emerson from Mississippi State with their first pick, 68th overall

Cleveland Browns 2022 Schedule

The Browns start their season with an inter-conference matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Former QB Baker Mayfield gets the start for the Panthers against his former team.

The Browns also play in two prime time games:

• Week 3 vs. Steelers (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 8 vs. Bengals (Monday Night Football)

Week 9 will serve as the team's BYE Week.

Cleveland Browns 2022 Win Total Prediction

• OVER 8.5 Wins (+135)
• UNDER 8.5 Wins (-155)

When it comes to their win total of 8.5, I have to take the over. Jacoby Brissett is a capable backup, and lets not forget this is a team that led the NFL in yards per carry last season at 5.1.

Not only that, but their defense is one of the best in the league as well. Only Buffalo allowed fewer yards per play than the Browns in 2021.

A team that has a top five run game and a top five defense should have their win total set at nine wins or more.

I think the win total is an overreaction to the Deshaun Watson suspension. They’ll be the second-best team in the AFC North, and I love the over 8.5 wins, especially at +135 odds.

BEST BET: OVER 8.5 Wins (+135)

Cleveland Browns 2022 Odds to Win Division, AFC, Super Bowl

• To Make the Playoffs: YES +175/NO -225
• Odds to Win AFC North: +380
• Odds to Win AFC: +2200
• Odds to Win Super Bowl 57: +5000

The Browns run game and defense will carry them further than people think this season.

With that being said, they play in one of the toughest divisions in football, so it's going to be tough to win the AFC North. Especially with a red-hot Bengals team that has a re-tooled offensive line. So, I won't be targeting Cleveland to win the division.

Instead, the best bet for you to place on them is for the Browns to make the playoffs at +175.

If Jacoby Brissett can do a serviceable job in their first nine games, they'll be in good position down the final stretch of the season. Nick Chubb should play a pivotal role this season, and I think he can get it done.

BEST BET: Browns to make the playoffs +175