An NFL futures bet is a wager on a pro football event or result that will be determined at a future date.
These bets require predicting outcomes well in advance of when they’ll actually happen. You can bet on different teams or players, and the odds will be different for each pick based on forecasts by oddsmakers.
The odds are typically more attractive than moneyline betting and point spread betting since these wagers settle further in the future.
Futures bets typically offer more attractive betting odds than standard bets because they involve greater risk – injuries, poor performance, and other unforeseen factors could affect your wager’s outcome.
An example of this is Jahmyr Gibbs is listed at +1000 (a $10 bet pays $100) to win Offensive Player of the Year (he has the third-best odds at BetMGM).
Futures wagers are available until an event or series starts and are often available during the regular season or postseason. You will see odds shift for playoff futures or player awards based on regular-season results and performances.
This guide will explain in detail what types of future bets are available and how to earn winning payouts. These wagers are available at the best Michigan sportsbooks.
Types of NFL futures bets
The types of events and results you can wager on are highly varied, and the odds will differ throughout the year.
Futures for the next Super Bowl are the most popular and become available shortly after the previous Super Bowl finishes.
You can then bet on everything from the NFL Draft to season win totals, division winners, player awards and statistical leaders.
NFL Super Bowl futures
This is the NFL futures wager that leads the pack every year, as bettors will wager on the next Super Bowl winner as soon as the offseason begins.
All teams will be at plus odds, and while the previous Super Bowl teams usually start with the shortest odds, the outlooks shift during the NFL season.
Keep in mind that only once in NFL history have the same two teams met in the Super Bowl in consecutive seasons.
Bets are also available on the teams to play in the Super Bowl, the exact result and even which division or state will produce the champion.
NFL conference winners futures
You can wager on the teams that will win the AFC and NFC championships. The odds at FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM Sportsbook (and others) will tend to be shorter than they are on Super Bowl odds, but are nearly as challenging.
Many things change in the NFL year to year in terms of player personnel, performances and coaching staff hirings and firings.
This is an easier futures bet to cash out on, as evidenced by the Kansas City Chiefs winning five of seven conference championship games from 2018 to 2024.
NFL division winners futures
Futures wagers are available on all eight division champions at DraftKings and other Michigan sportsbooks. You can mull over your picks well ahead of the season. Some potential division winners won’t offer enough of a return on payouts because they are heavily favored.
Carefully evaluate the more competitive divisions for better winning results, and watch the odds shift during the regular season based on team performances and injuries.
NFL player award futures
One of the most frequent player debates centers on who will win the NFL MVP award, and bettors can wager on potential winners from the offseason and throughout the regular season as odds change.
Bets are also available on other player award markets such as Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, and even Coach of the Year.
NFL team win futures
These wagers are simplistic, yet very popular. Every NFL team will be assigned a projected win total for the regular season, and then you must choose whether that team will finish over or under the win total.
The projected win totals are usually within a realistic expectation, so you will not see heavy plus-money odds on these wagers.
NFL player stat leaders
Those who play fantasy football will enjoy these markets and options, although all types of NFL fans can browse through a large amount of seasonal statistical leader future bets.
You can wager on everything from passing yardage and TD leaders to rushing and receiving leaders. On defense, bet on who will lead the NFL in sacks.
Individual player future bets are also available. You can pick a quarterback to finish with over or under a projected number of passing yards or TDs.
NFL Draft futures
Before the NFL Draft, many markets will be available. Bettors can wager on the outcomes of particular picks early in the first round, which will be the first player drafted at certain positions, who will be the first player drafted by specific NFL teams, which teams will draft a certain player, and other options. Odds will vary based on the market.
More NFL futures options
Check various sportsbooks to see more distinctive NFL markets and wagering options (Fanatics Sportsbook is great if you like off-the-radar markets). Some will include outright bets on teams to make of miss the playoffs.
There are also Team Specials, such as a team to win a certain amount of games, for a player to finish with a certain amount of yardage or for a team to pass for one TD in every game.
NFL futures odds explained
Minus values reflect how much you must wager to win $100. For instance, if you bet $100 on the Detroit Lions at +135 and they win the NFC North division, you’d receive $235 back ($100 stake + $135 profit).
Conversely, if a team is a heavy favorite to win their division, you might see odds of -275 (the Bills). In that case, a $275 bet will return $100 dollars, plus your stake.
When are NFL futures odds released?
Super Bowl odds are often released at Caesars Sportsbook and the rest of legal sportsbooks after the previous Super Bowl is completed. Markets that follow during the NFL offseason include NFL Draft odds and other options for win totals and other team futures.
Player awards and stat leader futures become available during the offseason as well, before the NFL Draft.
NFL futures betting tipsConsider the timing: Betting well in advance can increase your profits, but wagering on NFL futures closer to or during the season will likely arm you with more information and better chances to cash out. Scope out value: Studying player personnel and coaching changes can help identify underdogs. Keeping on top of depth chart changes and injuries will also help to pinpoint not only underdogs, but stronger favorites, too.Look forward, not just behind: It is risky to lean too heavily on last season’s results. This is especially true for Super Bowl winners, as it is very hard to return to the game the next season and win it again. The Chiefs became the first team to repeat as champions in 20 years in 2023 and 2024. Hedge your bets: Don’t just wager on a single team or player. Spread your bets among a few teams or players to increase your chances of winning. You will wager more units, yet increase the possibilities of cashing out. Review the odds at different sportsbooks: The futures odds will often vary at sportsbooks. Compare the odds across different sportsbooks to get the best value. Also, check to confirm what markets may be available in your state. Some sportsbooks will also offer unique futures specials you will not see on other platforms. Take a longer-term view: Placing successful futures bets requires patience and planning. You must consider several advanced factors such as scheduling, injuries, past and potential performances and trends. Teams or players that struggled the previous season or at times during the regular season can certainly turn their outlooks around. Be ready to adjust and put down more bets: Player news and injuries can immediately and significantly affect futures odds. Wins or losses against top opponents can also alter futures odds. You can add on with more futures bets during the regular season when news affects outlooks or newer trends become more apparent. NFL futures bets FAQsWhat are NFL futures bets?
NFL futures are wagers on pro football events or results that will be “settled” at a future date. You can bet on many types of NFL futures, such as the Super Bowl winner, conference and division champions, statistical leaders and projected statistical thresholds for individual players, and the winners of featured player awards.
How do NFL futures bets work?
Futures markets are set well in advance of the NFL season (Super Bowl winner odds are available right after the confetti falls on the champs). NFL futures odds are available during the summer, the regular season and even the playoffs. Odds will shift throughout the year based on team and player performances, injuries and trends.
You can bet on teams to win a division or championship, or wager on whether teams or players will reach a certain number of wins or statistical markers. If you predict the correct outcome, you win the bet and cash out based on the locked-in odds when the bet was placed.
Can you parlay NFL futures bets?
The answer to this question can vary based on the market and sportsbook. In general, you can parlay future bets, but if they are correlated, it will not be permitted. Check the sportsbooks for featured special parlays, like grouping teams to make or miss the NFL playoffs.
Can you cash out an NFL futures bet?
Yes, but you should always check the policies regarding cashing out on specific sportsbooks. Doing so will allow you to retain a share of winnings or reduce potential losses. Use your best judgment to decide when it might be best to cash out.
How do I successfully place an NFL futures bet?
Start by comparing the odds at different sportsbooks on the markets you are most comfortable with. Then decide which team or player you will wager on and make the selections. Always review your wagers in the betslip before confirming them.
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