NFL Futures: Several Cleveland Browns Futures Pulled by Sportsbooks

Jon Metler

Last Updated: June 8, 2022 11:04 AM EDT • 1 min 39 sec read. Twitter link Google News Link

Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 25, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images via AFP.

Sportsbooks pulled several key futures markets in reaction to the recent Deshaun Watson news. With a handful of Cleveland Browns futures markets removed, let's examine alternative ways to bet against the developments tied to Watson.

Another civil lawsuit has been filed against Deshaun Watson alleging sexual misconduct, bringing the total to 24. Watson met with over 66 women for massages across a 17-month period, and the Houston Texans provided nondisclosure agreements to him, according to the New York Times.

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1534270610712449025

Due to the increasing number of allegations against Watson and uncertainty about when the NFL will conclude its investigation, sportsbooks have decided to pull the Browns' win totals and odds for making the playoffs.

The Browns may be without both Watson and Baker Mayfield in 2022. Let's investigate how the Watson news will affect other markets, and alternative ways to profit from a potentially weak Browns offense.

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AFC North Division Odds

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These odds are based on the assumption that Watson will play or he'll only miss a short period of time, and Baker Mayfield will be his backup. Neither of those scenarios appears likely, which makes the Browns the wrong favorite.

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A lengthy Watson suspension makes it impossible for the Browns to be considered favorites for the AFC North at +190. That number began to shift at sportsbooks such as FanDuel, where the Ravens are now the +175 favorites instead of the Browns.

Baltimore Ravens Win Total: Over 9.5 (-130 via FanDuel Sportsbook)

I already intended to take the Over on the Ravens' win total of 9.5. The Ravens suffered significant injuries in 2022, and they'll benefit from an easier schedule after finishing fourth in the division.

When the Ravens' win total was released, it was assumed they would play two contests against a Watson-led Browns team due to where the games fell on the schedule. Initial reports indicated Watson would be suspended for a maximum of six games, and the Ravens play the Browns in Week 7.

Given that Watson may be out for the remainder of the season or longer, the Ravens could now play two games against the Browns with Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback. However, no changes have been made to their win total.

The Ravens' total continues to trade at 9.5. It's an excellent illustration of how news impacts the futures market for more than one team, and you may be able to profit from it in various ways.

Where to Bet on Cleveland Browns Futures

Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:

FanDuel Sportsbook Caesars Sportsbook DraftKings Sportsbook PointsBet BetMGM

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Written By:
Jon Metler

Jon Metler is a Sports Betting Analyst at SportsbookReview.com. Having played, coached, and officiated basketball, he immediately turned his attention to the NBA and College Basketball when he entered the sports betting space. Sports betting has been a part of his life for over 13 years, and he specializes in futures markets and player props, particularly in the NBA. In pursuit of value, he keeps a close eye on movements in the betting markets. He believes strongly in analytics and staying ahead of the curve; let the numbers do the talking. A graduate of the University of Windsor with a degree in Sports Studies, Jon enjoys spending time with his dogs when he isn't watching basketball.