Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was suspended six games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy'following accusations of sexual misconduct, disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson ruled Monday. The NFLPA had previously said it would not appeal any decision, but the league could. Sportsbooks still have yet to post Browns 2022 win totals, and will likely not do so until any possible appeal decision is made. The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts Cleveland for roughly 8.7 wins if Watson does in fact miss six games.
Both sides hav e three days to submit an appeal in writing. If so, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee “will issue a written decision that will constitute full, final and complete disposition of the dispute,'' per terms of Article 46 in the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. The league was reportedly pushing for a season-long suspension. When the sides were negotiating, the NFL went down to 12 games and a fine of approximately $8 million. Robinson didn't fine Watson, who reportedly settled three of the remaining four civil cases against him ahead of Monday's disciplinary decision.
If the six-game suspension stands, Watson would make his debut Week 7 in Baltimore and his home debut Week 8 on Halloween Monday night vs. Cincinnati; he would only miss one AFC North game: Week 3 vs. Pittsburgh. He can practice with the team in the preseason. Watson's last game was with Houston on Jan. 3, 2021, when he threw for 365 yards against the Titans (they w on 41-38 in Houston) and captured the league passing yardage title.'
Barring injury, Jacoby Brissett will be the starting quarterback Week 1 at Carolina (Panthers were +4.5 but now are +1) against former Browns QB Baker Mayfield. Either the recently-signed Josh Rosen or Joshua Dobbs would be the No. 2 to Brissett. That Watson received just a a six-game suspension also likely takes the Browns out of the Jimmy Garoppolo trade market, if they were ever in it.'
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