Browns are ‘a significantly improved team’: Are betting markets taking Cleveland seriously?

The Cleveland Browns have started the season 2-1 under head coach Todd Monken and quarterback Deshaun Watson, prompting betting markets and analysts to slightly adjust their evaluations. Sportsbooks like Caesars and FanDuel have modestly upgraded Cleveland, though general bettors have not heavily backed the team. Meanwhile, oddsmakers and modelers remain divided on whether the team's early success is sustainable across the remainder of the season.

Despite the improved start, the Browns face long odds to make the playoffs or capture the AFC North title. While BetMGM shifted Cleveland's division odds from +4000 to +2200, oddsmakers at Circa Sports still consider them the division's weakest team. Cleveland holds a minus-17 point differential through three games heading into their Thursday Night Football matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.