Browns' Betting Guide Ahead of 2022 NFL Season

The Cleveland Browns' 2022 season could go a multitude of different ways. And it could come down to their quarterback situation throughout the year.

Deshaun Watson recently received a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy amid accusations of sexual misconduct. However, the league has since appealed that suspension and is in pursuit of a tougher penalty.

If Watson misses more time, then Jacoby Brissett could spend the majority of the year as the Browns' starting QB. And that could negatively impact not only their offense, but their season as a whole.

Because of this uncertainty, it's tough to predict how Cleveland will fare, beginning with its season opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 11. But that's what bettors are trying to do in an effort to win money from wagers placed pertaining to the team.

Here's a full Browns betting guide to help as you're considering placing wagers for the 2022 NFL season. (All odds come from DraftKings Sportsbook.)

The Browns haven't won an AFC North title since the franchise returned to the NFL in 1999. In fact, they haven't even finished better than third in the division since 2007 (although they ended a 17-year playoff drought in 2020, when they earned a wild-card berth).

But Cleveland has a high ceiling for 2022, especially if Watson plays a substantial amount and performs at the level he showed from 2017-20 with the Houston Texans. That's why the Browns have decent odds of winning the AFC North at +300 (bet $100 to win $300).

However, Cleveland isn't the division favorite. Both the Baltimore Ravens (+155) and Cincinnati Bengals (+190) have better odds. The Pittsburgh Steelers (+1000) are the biggest longshot in the AFC North.

While the Browns have an opportunity to contend in this division, the Ravens and Bengals both appear to be better teams. That's why it's probably wise to not bet on Cleveland to win the AFC North, especially while there's still uncertainty surrounding Watson's status.

Myles Garrett has never led the NFL in sacks during his five-year career. But the 26-year-old edge rusher has been a dominant force for the Browns, and he's only continuing to get better. So he could be poised for a huge showing in 2022.

Last year, Garrett recorded a career-high 16 sacks while starting all 17 games for Cleveland. He was a first-team All-Pro for the second consecutive season, and he earned a Pro Bowl nod for the third time in his career.

So it's reasonable to believe Garrett could be the NFL's sack leader this season. He has the second-best odds to do so (+750), behind only Pittsburgh's T.J. Watt (+600), who has led the league in sacks each of the past two seasons (15 in 2020, 22.5 in 2021).

It's tough to lead the NFL in sacks three straight years, though. And if anybody can overtake Watt, it could be Garrett. So it may be worth betting on the Browns' defensive star to have his best season yet.

Nick Chubb over 1,200.5 rushing yards (-115)

If Chubb plays every game during the 2022 season, there's no reason he shouldn't exceed the 1,200-yard mark on the ground. He may not even need to play in all 17 contests, considering he rushed for 1,259 yards in 14 games last season.

Over his first four NFL seasons, Chubb has been a steady force in Cleveland's backfield. And he could get even more carries this year because Kareem Hunt has requested a trade. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns don't plan on doing that. But it's always possible for a situation to change.

Whether Hunt's around or not, Chubb will be the Browns' rushing leader. And he should collect more than 1,200 yards on the ground for the third time in four seasons.

Denzel Ward over 2.5 interceptions (-115)

Ward has been impressive to watch in the Browns' secondary over his first four NFL seasons. He's also been incredibly consistent, recording either two or three interceptions in each of those years.

But the 25-year-old Ward could reach another level in 2022. He's only getting better, and after notching three interceptions last season, he should reach that number again this year (and he may get even more).

Although Ward has been dealing with a left foot injury in training camp, it seems likely he'll be OK by the start of the season. And as long as he stays healthy, he'll be one of Cleveland's top playmakers on defense once again.

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