The Cleveland Browns are expected to be an interesting team to watch during the 2022 NFL season. Besides the loaded roster of talent, the addition of QB Deshaun Watson creates an excitement that should be palpable.
The word “should” has to be included because the unknown related to the civil cases leaves a lot of uncertainty. If the cases are not resolved before July, none are expected to continue during the NFL season leaving the uncertainty to linger into the next offseason.
With the 2022 NFL schedule released, we have betting odds for Week 1 of the season. So much could happen between now and September 11th, including discipline from the league for Watson, which makes looking at the betting lines interesting.
Tipico Sportsbook has set the Browns as a 4.5-point favorite in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. With the home team, generally, getting three points, the betting line indicates a belief that Cleveland is more than a touchdown better than Carolina.
With Watson, that makes sense. Without Watson, the Browns are still a better football team but would not have the same betting line. If/when there is certainty that discipline will not be levied in 2022, the line could jump a couple of points.
For now, it seems Tipico believes Watson will be on the field for Week 1 but have hedged the number slightly due to the uncertainty.