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Deshaun Watson’s long-awaited suspension has finally been handed down. The NFL appointed Judge Sue Robinson, who handed down a six-game suspension for the new Browns signal caller.
This suspension is actually being considered a positive for the Browns, according to betting markets.
Some had theorized that Watson would be suspended for 12 games or even the entire season. With that possibility now eliminated, the Browns’ season outlook looks significantly brighter.
The Browns will go forward with Jacoby Brissett as their quarterback for their first six games after trading Baker Mayfield to the Panthers.
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Cleveland Browns odds movement
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Browns Super Bowl odds
Was: +3000 | Now: +2000
Browns to win the AFC Title
Was: +1600 | Now: +1100
Browns to win the AFC North
Was: +300 | Now: +225
Browns to make the playoffs
Was: Off the board | Now: +100
The odds movement is noteworthy as the +3000 (3.23% implied) to +2000 (4.76% implied) represents a 1.5% change on BetMGM Sportsbook.
Furthermore, their chances of winning the very competitive AFC North jumped from +300 (25% implied) to +225 (30.77% implied). The five percent jump to win the AFC North is noteworthy for a variety of reasons. First, the Browns’ early schedule without Watson has only one divisional game in it. Notably, he is scheduled to return for a big game in Baltimore on Oct. 23.
Deshaun Watson and Kareem Hunt Getty Images
Chase Winovich and Myles Garrett Diamond Images/Getty ImagesThe return of Watson for Week 7 against the Ravens makes a divisional title much more feasible, especially if they win that game. However, the Ravens are still the rightful favorites to win the division, and an AFC North winner bet isn’t worth targeting right now.
Instead, there are some spots to target the Browns to make the playoffs. Their first two games would theoretically point to them being favorites with a near pick ’em against the Steelers in Week 3. If they start the season 2-1, they are in a very good position to advance to postseason play.
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The Browns to make the playoffs is available at FanDuel and BetMGM who each have this prop listed at +100. A playoff berth would theoretically require 10 wins. With three wins in the first six possible (Panthers, Jets, Falcons?) without Watson, this should be a good spot at anything plus-money or better.
