Dependant on strikes (assuming at the money, assuming naked short) you would still profit if it stayed the same, or went up a little in price. Selling options is also being short volatility, so the 'bet' is that less will happen than is expected and, in the case of selling calls, with a preference for happenings to be downward.

A downward move could also see volatility go up significantly and increase the value of the options you are short, especially longer dated options.

Technically, yes. But you have to own the stock first (‘cuz writing “naked calls” is not for the faint of heart). Easier and less complicated to just buy puts, especially if you’re looking up “money laundering” in the dictionary.