Browns Turn to Shedeur Sanders as Concussion Sides Watson Out of Week 9

The Cleveland Browns will begin their Week 9 game without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson due to a concussion. The 5-3 Browns travel to New Orleans to face the 2-5 Saints on Sunday.

New Orleans sits as a three-point favorite in the latest DraftKings odds. The line remained stable after news of Watson's injury broke, suggesting bookmakers anticipated the roster change. The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NFL game 10,000 times and currently holds a 60-51 record on top-rated picks dating back to 2024. That model predicts New Orleans will win this specific matchup in 61% of simulations.

The Browns have been winning against weaker opponents this season. Three of their five victories came against Tampa Bay, Tennessee, and a Baltimore team without Lamar Jackson. The Cleveland offense averages just 17.4 points per game. With Watson out, backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders will start. The Browns are 5-3 against the spread and 4-4 to the over this season.

The Saints have struggled on both sides of the ball. Their defense has allowed 27.7 points per game, the fourth-highest total in the league. Second-year quarterback Tyler Shough has shown capability as a signal caller, but the unit has been middling. New Orleans is 3-4 against the spread and 4-3 to the over.

The Saints have won only one of their last five games. The Browns hold a winning record, yet their offensive output suggests potential regression. The injury to Watson forces Cleveland to rely on Sanders immediately. The game takes place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Betting markets reflect a close contest despite the talent gap. DraftKings offers a $200 bonus for new users who spend $5 or more on this game. Caesars Sportsbook provides $250 in bet resets for new users with the code CBSSPORTSBR250. Kalshi offers a $55 bonus for new users with the code CBSSPORTS55.