The Cleveland Browns have disappointed the past couple of seasons. But although the Browns haven’t lived up to expectations, there might be a reason. For the first time, Deshaun Watson will start at quarterback in NFL Week 1 and for an entire Cleveland season. Will Watson’s presence allow the Browns to finally make it to the playoffs and challenge the Chiefs and Bengals for the AFC title? Also, will Cleveland pad their backers’ bankrolls with ATS wins? Keep reading for a Cleveland Browns 2023 NFL Season betting guide.

Cleveland Browns 2023 NFL Season Betting Predictions

first day of summer mood pic.twitter.com/hHaQ1nOrIC

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 21, 2023

Cleveland Browns 2023 NFL Schedule

• NFL Week 1: vs Cincinnati Bengals — 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
• NFL Week 2: at Pittsburgh Steelers — 8:15 p.m. ET (ABC)
• NFL Week 3: vs. Tennessee Titans — 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
• NFL Week 4: vs. Baltimore Ravens — 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
• NFL Week 5: BYE
• NFL Week 6: vs. San Francisco 49ers — 1:00 p.m. ET (FOX)
• NFL Week 7: at Indianapolis Colts — 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
• NFL Week 8: at Seattle Seahawks — 4:05 p.m. ET (FOX)
• NFL Week 9: vs. Arizona Cardinals — 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
• NFL Week 10: at Baltimore Ravens — 1:00 p.m. ET (FOX)
• NFL Week 11: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers — 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
• NFL Week 12: at Denver Broncos — 4:05 p.m. ET (FOX)
• NFL Week 13: at Los Angeles Rams — 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
• NFL Week 14: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars — 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
• NFL Week 15: vs. Chicago Bears — TBD (TBD)
• NFL Week 16: at Houston Texans — 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
• NFL Week 17: vs. New York Jets — 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
• NFL Week 18: vs. Cleveland Browns — TBD (TBD)

Cleveland Browns 2023 Straight-Up Overview

If you don’t know Deshaun Watson’s story, how he didn’t play football for an entire season and then had to sit out the first 10 games last season for the Cleveland Browns, well, now you do. Cleveland’s success this season depends on Watson.

Deshaun was a great quarterback while piloting the Houston Texans’ offense. But for most of his career he got to throw to DeAndre Hopkins. Back then, many NFL analysts and fans considered Hopkins the best wide receiver in the NFL.

Deshaun doesn’t have a Hopkins target in Cleveland. Amari Cooper is excellent but he’s not a Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, or Odell Beckham Jr. type wide receiver. Watson can lean on running back Nick Chubb, though.

Chubb is one of the top ball-carriers in the NFL. Nick also runs behind one of the best offensive lines in the league. Cleveland’s O-line, led by left guard Joel Bitonio, is as good as it gets. But Chubb caught just 27 passes last season.

So the Browns only use Nick in the rushing attack or as an outlet receiver. That won’t help Watson get back on track. The bottom line for Cleveland is that no matter what Myles Garrett and the defense does, the Browns won’t have a lot of success unless Deshaun Watson returns to elite status.

The real chances of that happening aren’t good. Watson is now 27-years-old. His immense physical abilities may have deteriorated some. Not only that, but two of his opposing quarterbacks in the league, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, boast two of the best receivers in the NFL, Burrow throws to Ja’Marr Chase and Lamar throws to Odell Beckham Jr.

Watson didn’t play well last season. It’s difficult seeing him picking up his game in 2023. Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Cincinnati are better. We should expect the Browns to post another disappointing season.

Cleveland Browns 2023 SU Record Prediction: 7-10

Cleveland Browns 2023 Against the Spread Overview

Cleveland went 8-9 against the spread last season. There’s no reason to believe the Browns do any better or any worse this season.

We didn’t discuss the Browns defense when handicapping Cleveland’s straight up record. For sure, the Browns D could be tough. But it will take more than Myles Garrett to stop the Bengals and Ravens in the AFC North.

Oddsmakers know this. The prediction is another 8-9 Cleveland Browns against the spread record.

Cleveland Browns ATS Record Prediction: 8-9

Cleveland Browns 2023 Over/Under Overview

The Browns went almost .500 over-to-under last season. Cleveland should post a similar over under total record in 2023.

Not much has changed regarding Cleveland’s offense or defense. So unless Watson does become elite again, Cleveland will go 8-9 or 9-8 over-to-under. We’ll go 9-8 because the Browns play the Bengals and Ravens twice each. Baltimore and Cincinnati will have excellent offenses this season.

Cleveland Browns 2023 Over/Under Record Prediction: 9-8

Where to Bet On NFL with Bitcoin

NFL odds are available all year round here at Nitrobetting. Create a Nitrobetting account now to win tons of Bitcoin from the 2023-24 NFL season with our up-to-date NFL futures odds, as well as our special Bitcoin Squares and Picks contests throughout the upcoming season!

Check out our latest bitcoin betting guides for the NFL season. Stay tuned for more football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest NFL betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

READ MORE: Cincinnati Bengals 2023 Season Win/Loss Total