NFL Futures: Focus on Nick Chubb Following Deshaun Watson’s Suspension

The NFL has suspended Deshaun Watson for the first 11 games of the season. As several Cleveland Browns futures markets begin to adjust, we examine alternative ways to bet against the recent Watson news.

The Deshaun Watson suspension has finally been clarified, and it appears that the quarterback will be suspended for the first 11 games of the Cleveland Browns' season. His first game back will be against the Houston Texans, which will add to the drama.

Having established how many games Watson will play for the Browns this season, what are the implications for the rest of the team's futures odds?

In light of the recent news regarding the suspension of Watson, here is one way to take advantage of the situation:

Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns: Over 1150.5 (-112 via FanDuel)

The immediate reaction to the announcement that Watson would be suspended for 11 games as opposed to six would be to place a bet on the Under on the Browns' win total or the odds of a different team winning the AFC North.

Although I am not saying these are bad bets, we still do not have a complete picture with the Browns. The Browns could now trade for Jimmy Garoppolo, which would put a damper on some of those bets.

Regardless of who is the quarterback, one thing will remain constant in all of this: Head coach Kevin Stefanski will have to rely heavily on his running backs. The total for Nick Chubb's rushing yards was posted at 1,150.5 with the idea that Watson would be returning after six games. There will now be an additional five games where Stefanski will rely on Chubb to carry the offense.

Most Regular-Season Rushing Yards: Chubb (+1000 via DraftKings)

We know Chubb will face a heavy workload following the updated suspension to Watson, but there is another factor that makes him attractive in this market.

Frank Reich, the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, expressed his desire to reduce Jonathan Taylor's workload earlier this week. With Taylor currently the favorite in this market with +450 odds, the Colts' change in strategy could send shockwaves throughout this market.

If Taylor is going to receive fewer carries and Chubb is going to receive more, these odds should be much tighter than +450 and +1000.

Where to Bet on Browns NFL Futures

FanDuel Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
PointsBet
BetMGM

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