Betting analyst isn't sold on Deshaun Watson against Steelers defense

The Steelers defense could shut down Deshaun Watson in Week 2.

 Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. | Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense struggled a bit against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1, but the team has a bounce-back spot at home against the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football. 

In fact, BetSided NFL analyst Iain MacMillan is a huge fan of the Pittsburgh defense in this game, and he thinks Mike Tomlin’s group will shut down Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson. 

Watson has a passing yards prop set anywhere from 199.5 yards to 204.5 yards – depending on the sportsbook – but MacMillan believes he’s going to fall short of that number.

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Analyst says to fade Deshaun Watson in this prop bet vs. Steelers

Deshaun Watson UNDER 204.5 passing yards

To say Watson hasn’t been the same quarterback since coming to Cleveland is an understatement. He averaged 183.7 yards per game in six contests last season before throwing for just 154 yards in Week 1. 

In Week 2, there are several things working against Watson. First off, his No. 1 receiver Amari Cooper is a game-time decision with a groin injury. 

Then, there’s the Steelers defense that features T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and others that can wreak havoc on this Cleveland passing game. 

“I have no faith in Deshaun Watson to return to the form he was when he was with the Texans,” MacMillan wrote. “He completed just 16-of-29 passes in Week 1 for 154 yards. He was effective on the ground, but that's unrelated to this bet.

“I have faith in the Steelers shutting him down and holding him to UNDER 205 yards through the air.”

With Cameron Heyward on injured reserve for Pittsburgh, the Browns may decide to utilize Nick Chubb even more to attack the Steelers on the ground.

Until Watson shows that he’s returned to his Pro Bowl form, MacMillan clearly thinks he’s a fade candidate in the prop market.


Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

You can check out all of Iain's bets here!

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