Browns' odds slashed for title, division after stunning trade for Watson

One of the craziest stretches in recent NFL memory just got even crazier, and the Super Bowl market can hardly catch up.

A two-week period of blockbuster moves reached a crescendo Friday when Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson agreed to waive his no-trade clause in a move to the Browns. Cleveland will send five picks - including three first-rounders - to acquire Watson.

The move sent shockwaves through the NFL community and betting markets alike after rumors of Watson's destination forced adjustments on teams all week long - including speculative movements on the Saints, Falcons, and Panthers at various shops. In the end, the Browns won the Watson sweepstakes and saw their odds slashed across the board.

After dealing anywhere from 35-1 to 40-1 to win the title, Cleveland is priced as a 14-1 title contender at Barstool Sportsbook, which currently ranks the team seventh on the Super Bowl oddsboard. The Browns are +700 to win the AFC - behind only the Bills (+350) and Chiefs (+450) - and are the favorites to win the AFC North, edging out the Ravens and Bengals (both +220).

The player futures market is also hot on Watson, who led the league in passing yards (4,823) and yards per attempt (8.9) in 2020 and made three consecutive Pro Bowls before being sidelined for the 2021 campaign. He's 14-1 to win his first MVP trophy in 2022 - tied for seventh on the list with Cowboys star Dak Prescott (+1400) and just ahead of new Broncos signal-caller Russell Wilson (+1400).

Watson and Wilson are the two biggest stars to switch teams this offseason, with both blockbuster moves immediately rocking the Super Bowl market. Tom Brady's stunning return from a brief retirement also had a sizable impact - the Buccaneers are now the favorites to win the NFC.

Yet those aren't the only dominoes likely to fall this offseason. Friday's move also precipitates an eventual deal for Baker Mayfield, who requested a trade from the Browns on Thursday amid swirling rumors about their interest in Watson. Mayfield is among a gaudy list of quarterbacks likely on the move that also includes Jimmy Garoppolo and, possibly, Matt Ryan.

C Jackson Cowart is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter (@CJacksonCowart) or email him at [email protected].