Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson suspended six games: New Super Bowl betting odds

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News broke on Monday morning that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will be suspended six games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy following accusations of sexual misconduct. A suspension has been expected to be handed down, but the length had been the biggest unknown. There were reports that the NFL was pushing for a ban of the entire season. However, depending on the potential for an NFL appeal for a longer suspension, Watson will miss the first six weeks. Our experts analyzed how the news has impacted betting odds for the Super Bowl.

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Deshaun Watson news and what it means Super Bowl odds

Monday morning’s news that Deshaun Watson will be suspended for the first six games of the NFL season has had a slight impact on betting odds, but most sportsbooks had already taken a likely suspension into account when pricing the Browns’ odds. When Cleveland landed Watson earlier this offseason, it appeared to be a huge boost for the franchise as they went from a +4000 longshot to win the Super Bowl to around +1600 at the majority of sportsbooks. Acquiring a top-10 QB in the NFL will oftentimes result in this sort of jump, but now that Watson will likely be suspended for six games, sportsbooks have adjusted the Browns’ odds this season. The 15 teams with the shortest prices at DraftKings Sportsbook to win the Super Bowl in 2022 are:

The Browns are currently +2500 to win the Super Bowl at DraftKings, while their odds are +2200 at FanDuel Sportsbook. The Browns had close to a +2800 price just two weeks ago when it seemed like a full-season suspension was possible. Now that Watson will miss the first six games, our experts weighed in on what it means for the AFC.

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Browns Deshaun Watson suspended six games: AFC outlook and prediction

During what’s currently a six-game suspension, Watson would miss the following matchups to start the year for Cleveland:

The suspension makes the Browns’ Week 1 matchup with the Carolina Panthers even more interesting, as former Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield will likely be the starter for Carolina. The loss of Watson means backup QB Jacoby Brissett will likely fill in, and although he isn’t the same caliber player as Watson, he should be able keep Cleveland competitive.

Cleveland is still the favorite in five of its six opening games and is currently favored by one point (-1) at DraftKings Sportsbook in the opening meeting against Carolina. Losing Watson hurts, but the only divisional game he’ll miss is at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The toughest part of the Browns’ schedule comes in the second half of the season with matchups against the Ravens (twice), Bengals (twice), Bills, Buccaneers and Saints. Therefore, it doesn’t seem like the suspension will have an enormous impact on the Browns’ outlook this season.

Watson missing the first six games could result in some rustiness when he returns, but we expect him to still be able to lead the Browns to a playoff appearance. Overall, we wouldn’t recommend making any wagers based on the Watson suspension, and our experts still predict the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers are the teams to beat in the AFC.

How to bet on the NFL at DraftKings

Although our experts don’t have any new best bets following the Deshaun Watson news, they’ve made multiple predictions for the NFL season. Check out our preview of the Hall of Fame Game this Thursday, win total preview for the Buffalo Bills, who we think will win NFL MVP in 2022 and why we’re predicting Stefon Diggs to have another monster season. If you want to wager on any NFL betting markets this fall, click here to register for a new account at DraftKings Sportsbook, and you’ll receive a deposit bonus worth up to $1,000.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

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