Cleveland Browns, Deshaun Watson Prepare for Texans (+7)

This weekend, the football betting world will turn its attention to Houston, where the Texans will host former face of the franchise Deshaun Watson in his controversial return to the field.

Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson Returns to Action

Deshaun Watson was served an 11-game suspension from the NFL after a wide, sprawling investigation into his alleged repeated abuse of female massage therapists.

With the suspension now concluded, Watson is preparing to be the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns – the team that traded for him this past March.

Josh Dobbs Waived: Browns Formally Add Deshaun Watson Back to Roster

In order to make room for Deshaun Watson as a member of their 53-man roster, the Browns were forced to waive a current member of the team. Former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Josh Dobbs was let go.

Deshaun Watson: Week 13 Challenges

Deshaun Watson’s key on-the-field problem that he’ll face in Houston this weekend is rust. 

The dual-threat quarterback was a Pro Bowler in Houston and an elite quarterback at Clemson before that, but he hasn’t played a regular-season game in nearly two full years. It’s unlikely he will return to peak form right away.

Is Deshaun Watson Starting This Week?

Yes, all indications are that the Browns will start Deshaun Watson at quarterback this week in Houston for their game against the Texans.

Deshaun Watson Rushing Stats

In four years with the Texans, Deshaun Watson rushed for 1,677 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also had 14 fumbles. 

Deshaun Watson Highlights

Browns at Texans (+7)

For bettors, all this information is prologue to the actual game handicap. Houston will host its former quarterback and his new team on Sunday in the early window, with the Texans catching seven points as a home dog.

Public bettors understandably favor laying the points with Watson and the Browns, but there is a very concrete path for Houston to remain competitive in this game. 

Beyond the fact that Watson hasn’t played in a real professional football game in nearly two full years, the Browns’ porous rush defense (ranked 31st by PFF) is a very poor matchup for Dameon Pierce and the Texans’ ground game.

NFL Betting Odds

For more on how to handicap the full Week 13 NFL schedule, make sure you check out The Lion’s Edge for intelligent, weekly insights into trends and betting tips across the online sports betting world. 

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