The Browns playoff chances may have expired, but Week 17 finally saw Deshaun Watson flash the potential the front office hoped for when they traded for him ahead of the season.
The Browns' longshot run to the playoffs ended a week earlier after a 17-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints, but coach Kevin Stefanski and his squad came to play against the Commanders on Sunday, outscoring Ron Rivera's team 21-3 in the second half en route to victory.
Browns-Commanders failed to hit the over (40 points) at Ohio sportsbooks, as the Browns defense wrecked havoc on Carson Wentz, who threw three interceptions amid his struggles.
Now, the 7-9 Browns will put a bow on the NFL season by heading to Pittsburgh to take on the 8-8 Steelers.
The Browns have a chance to play spoiler against the Steelers' longshot playoff hopes, and could hand Mike Tomlin his first ever losing record in 16 seasons as a head coach.
Cleveland Browns Player Props
With the Browns season drawing to a close, remember that BetOhio has tracked each available prop bet when it comes to Browns players through Week 17.
Check out our tracker ahead of Week 18 for your last chance to capitalize on the Browns' 2022 offense (or lack thereof).
The above chart represents the over/under record of each prop bet based on the official lines provided by BetMGM Sportsbook Ohio. The lines that were used in the above chart were tracked at 1 PM ET on Friday.
Watson Still Failing To Hit Individual Props
While fans expected some rust from Watson after missing last season and the first 11 games this year, overall he failed to deliver for both fans and bettors in his first four games back.
However, Week 17 against the Commanders may have been a turning point, as Watson threw three touchdown passes and rushed for 31 yards on the ground.
Watson also hit the over for passing yards (169 yards) for just the second time this season, bringing his record up to 2-3 when it comes to surpassing the over/under on passing yards at BetMGM.
While it is likely Watson will put up far greater individual numbers next year after a full preseason, this stretch had given little hope to Browns fans who expected an MVP-caliber player.
Last Sunday's game against the Commanders could prove to be a step in the right direction.
Nick Chubb Rushing Yards Delivers
Nick Chubb again has been the offensive MVP for the Browns this season, with the back on pace for a 1,500-yard rushing campaign.
The prop bet that Chubb has hit the most on across Ohio betting apps this season is rushing yards total, in which he has hit the over 11 times, compared to five times when he has not.
While Chubb's productivity has strangely left him out of the end zone the past five weeks, he still is also tied for fifth most touchdowns across the NFL.
Browns Open As Underdogs In Week 18 Against Steelers
In Week 18, the Browns open as road underdogs over at BetMGM Ohio against Pittsburgh, which has Stefanski's squad as 3-point underdogs with an over/under of 39 points.
The Browns defeated the Steelers handedly back in Week 3 by a score of 29-17, though both teams will have different signal callers on Sunday. In the previous matchup, Jacoby Brissett threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns, with Chubb adding 113 yards on the ground and a touchdown himself.
Steelers QB Mitch Trubisky, who has since lost his job to rookie Kenny Pickett, threw for 207 yards with no touchdowns.
While the Steelers again will try to stifle Chubb and the Browns running attack, the presence of both Watson and Pickett will give the matchup an intriguing new aspect this Sunday.
Remember, BetOhio is your home for the best Browns analysis, as well as the best Ohio sportsbook promo codes.
