NFL Futures

Betting on NFL futures is one of the most exciting ways to stay engaged with football all year long. Unlike standard game bets that settle within hours, futures wagers focus on long-term outcomes—like who will win the Super Bowl, which teams will claim division crowns, or which players will take home awards like MVP.

Sportsbooks post NFL futures odds as early as the day after the Super Bowl, giving bettors nearly a full year to speculate, hedge, and hunt for value. Whether you’re backing a preseason long shot at +2500 or jumping on a midseason favorite at shorter odds, futures betting offers something for every style of bettor.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about NFL futures bets: how they work, the most popular markets, payout structures, strategies for maximizing value, and common mistakes to avoid. 

You’ll also find the latest NFL futures odds for teams and players, so you can compare markets and spot the best value. By the end, you’ll know how to approach futures with a sharp eye—and maybe even spot the next big winner before the rest of the market does.

What Are NFL Futures Bets?

NFL futures bets are wagers placed on long-term outcomes in professional football, often months before the results are known. Unlike standard game lines or point spreads that settle within hours of a final whistle, futures bets can remain open for weeks—or even the entire NFL season—before being graded as a win or loss.

The most common NFL futures wagers include predicting:

• Which team will win the Super Bowl
  
• Division and conference champions
  
• Season win totals (over/under)
  
• Player awards such as MVP, Offensive Rookie of the Year, or Super Bowl MVP
  

Because these outcomes are tied to events well into the future, sportsbooks release NFL futures odds long before the season begins. These odds shift constantly based on roster moves, injuries, betting action, and team performance as the season unfolds.

Why Bettors Like NFL Futures

NFL futures bets are appealing because they often provide better value than short-term wagers. Early in the offseason, a team like the Chiefs or 49ers might be listed at much longer odds to win the Super Bowl compared to midseason—when a hot start or a dominant stretch lowers their payout potential. Savvy bettors who identify value before the public catches on can lock in futures odds that wouldn’t be available later.

Another draw is entertainment. Within the larger world of NFL betting, futures wagers stand out because they keep fans engaged throughout the season. Even if your favorite team isn’t playing on Sunday night, you may still be tracking division races or award chases with a futures ticket in play.

The Trade-Off

The flip side is that NFL futures bets tie up your bankroll for months at a time. Unlike betting on a single Sunday matchup, you won’t know whether your money is a winner until January or February. For that reason, experienced bettors balance their futures portfolio with shorter-term bets.

Team vs. Player Futures

It’s not just about teams. NFL futures also include player prop markets such as:

• MVP, Offensive/Defensive Player of the Year
  
• Rookie awards
  
• Statistical leaders (passing yards, rushing yards, receiving touchdowns, etc.)
  

These bets can be even trickier, since player health and team context play a massive role. But they’re also some of the most profitable if you can identify breakout candidates before the market adjusts.

Super Bowl Futures

When people talk about NFL futures bets, the Super Bowl is the crown jewel. Year after year, wagering on who will hoist the Lombardi Trophy is the single most popular futures market at every sportsbook.

When Super Bowl Odds Are Released

Oddsmakers waste no time posting Super Bowl futures odds. Lines are typically available within hours of the previous season’s championship game and remain on the board all the way until the conference championships wrap up the following year. This gives bettors nearly a full year to speculate, hedge, and find value.

How Super Bowl Futures Work

Super Bowl futures odds are presented in American odds format (e.g., +600, +1400), which shows both the favorite and the potential payout. For example:

• If the Dallas Cowboys are listed at +1400 to win the Super Bowl, a $100 bet would return $1,400 in profit plus your original stake if they win it all.
  
• A heavy favorite such as the Kansas City Chiefs might sit closer to +500, which means a $100 wager would yield $500 in profit if they capture another title.
  

The longer the odds, the greater the risk—and the bigger the reward if your pick cashes.

Strategy for Betting Super Bowl Futures

Favorites like the Chiefs, 49ers, Bills, or Eagles often dominate the top of the futures board. While betting on proven contenders feels safer, the real value in Super Bowl futures usually lies with the second-tier teams—the ones talented enough to make a run, but not priced as short favorites yet.

Many bettors take a portfolio approach:

• Lock in a favorite early for stability
  
• Add one or two dark horse picks with longer odds to chase a bigger payout
  

This balances risk while keeping you engaged throughout the season.

Conference & Division Futures

While the Super Bowl grabs the spotlight, NFL futures odds extend far beyond the championship game. Two of the most active markets each year are conference futures and division futures—both of which give bettors multiple ways to find value.

Conference Futures Bets

A conference futures bet is a wager on which team will represent either the AFC or NFC in the Super Bowl. These markets are usually priced more favorably than outright Super Bowl bets since you only need your team to reach the big game, not win it.

For example:

• If the Ravens are listed at +500 to win the AFC, a $100 bet would return $500 if they advance to the Super Bowl—regardless of whether they win the championship.
  
• If the Lions are +900 to win the NFC, that same $100 would profit $900 if they become the NFC’s representative.
  

Bettors often target conference futures as a “safer” alternative to Super Bowl picks, especially when they believe a team has a favorable playoff path but may not have the firepower to win it all.

Division Futures Bets

Division futures zero in on which team will finish first in its division standings. Every NFL division has four teams, and sportsbooks post odds well before the season kicks off.

Division futures odds can shift dramatically throughout the year as injuries, coaching changes, or surprise performances reshape the playoff race. Because of that volatility, division bets can be an excellent way to back undervalued teams before the market adjusts.

For example:

• If the Jaguars open as +250 underdogs to win the AFC South but start the season 4-0, those odds will shorten quickly. Early bettors gain the edge by locking in the higher payout before momentum builds.
  

Why Bettors Like These Markets

• Lower risk vs. higher reward: Division titles are more attainable than a Super Bowl run, and the payouts are often more generous than week-to-week moneylines.
  
• Hedge opportunities: Bettors who take a conference or division future can later hedge with playoff game bets if their team advances.
  
• Season-long entertainment: Just like Super Bowl futures, these wagers keep every Sunday meaningful all year long.
  

Player Futures

NFL futures bets aren’t limited to teams—player futures odds are some of the most exciting wagers available each season. These markets focus on individual awards and statistical achievements, giving fans a chance to back their favorite stars or predict breakout performances.

MVP Odds

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is the flagship player futures market. Typically dominated by quarterbacks, MVP futures odds open in the offseason and adjust with every standout performance (or injury).

• Favorites like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen may start around +600 to +800
  
• A surprise breakout quarterback or dual-threat playmaker might open at +2500 or longer, offering massive upside if you identify them early
  

Rookie of the Year Odds

Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards attract heavy betting interest, especially after the NFL Draft. These bets reward those who follow draft prospects closely and can spot rookies in situations where immediate playing time is likely.

• Offensive skill positions (QB, RB, WR) usually dominate the offensive award
  
• Defensive honors often go to pass rushers and impact linebackers
  

Other Player Awards

In addition to MVP and Rookie of the Year, sportsbooks post NFL futures odds for:

• Offensive Player of the Year
  
• Defensive Player of the Year
  
• Comeback Player of the Year
  
• Super Bowl MVP (posted once playoff matchups are set)
  

These markets are less predictable but often provide higher payouts than MVP.

Statistical Leaders

Another form of player futures bets focuses on season leaders in major categories such as most passing yards, rushing yards, receiving yards, or touchdowns. These wagers allow bettors to dive into team schemes, offensive lines, and player health trends to find value outside of the award races.

Betting Tips for Player Futures

• Timing matters: Odds are longest in the offseason and shrink once a player starts building a strong narrative
  
• Injury risk: Player futures tie up money for months, so avoid loading up on players with durability concerns
  
• Team context: Awards almost always go to players on playoff-caliber teams, so factor in the team’s outlook before locking in your pick
  

Win Totals Futures

Another hugely popular NFL futures bet is the season win total market. Instead of picking a Super Bowl champion or MVP, you’re betting on how many games a team will win during the regular season.

How Win Totals Bets Work

Sportsbooks set a projected number of wins for every team, then post odds for betting the Over or Under that number.

For example:

• The Cowboys might open with a win total of 10.5 wins
  
• Over 10.5 means they need at least 11 wins for the bet to cash
  
• Under 10.5 means they must finish with 10 wins or fewer
  

Odds can vary depending on betting action. The Over might be priced at -120 (risk $120 to win $100), while the Under could sit at +100 (even money).

Why Bettors Like Win Totals

• Predictability: Win totals are easier to handicap than awards or playoff futures since they’re based on a full 17-game schedule
  
• Every game counts: Unlike Super Bowl futures, every week of the season impacts your bet
  
• Value across the board: Bettors can find value on both elite contenders (Over 11.5 wins) and rebuilding teams (Under 5.5 wins)
  

Factors to Consider

When analyzing win totals, sharp bettors look beyond star players:

• Strength of schedule: Teams facing weaker divisions often have inflated win totals
  
• Injuries & depth: A single QB injury can swing a season total by several wins
  
• Coaching changes: New systems and play-callers can dramatically affect team performance
  
• Historical trends: Some franchises consistently outperform or underperform expectations
  

Strategy Tip

Win totals futures are best placed before the season starts, when the lines are soft and value exists. Once games begin, oddsmakers quickly adjust totals based on early results, and the edge disappears.

How to Bet NFL Futures

Betting NFL futures is simple at its core, but success comes from knowing how to time your wagers, manage risk, and recognize value. Whether you’re aiming at a Super Bowl champion, division winner, or MVP pick, here’s what to keep in mind.

1. Timing Is Everything

NFL futures odds shift constantly. The earlier you place a bet, the higher the potential payout—but also the more uncertainty.

• Offseason: Great for locking in long odds before the public catches on
  
• Midseason: Odds are shorter, but you have more information (injuries, standings, breakout players)
  
• Late season: Lower payouts, but greater certainty if you want a safer play
  

2. Shop for the Best Odds

Not all sportsbooks post the same NFL futures odds. A team listed at +1200 on one site might be +1400 on another. That small difference adds up over time, especially with long-term bets. Smart bettors use multiple sportsbooks to secure the best number.

3. Diversify Your Futures Portfolio

Think of NFL futures bets like investments. Instead of putting all your money on one team or player, spread it across:

• One or two favorites for stability
  
• A mid-range contender with upside
  
• A dark horse at long odds for a potential big payout
  

4. Understand the Risks

Futures bets tie up your bankroll for months, unlike a point spread that resolves in hours. That means:

• Only bet what you’re comfortable setting aside for the season
  
• Avoid overloading on futures if you also plan to bet weekly games
  

5. Hedge When Needed

If your futures bet is live late in the season, you can hedge by betting against your original pick in playoff games. This locks in profit no matter the outcome and reduces the sting of a near miss.

6. Factor in Context

NFL futures odds are influenced by more than talent alone. Consider:

• Schedule strength (easy schedules can inflate win totals)
  
• Injuries (star QBs or offensive linemen are especially impactful)
  
• Team trends (coaching stability, roster moves, or midseason trades)
  

When to Place NFL Futures Bets

One of the most important decisions with NFL futures bets isn’t what you bet on—it’s when you place the wager. Because NFL futures odds move all year long, timing can be the difference between locking in a high-value line or settling for a much smaller payout.

Offseason: Maximum Value, Maximum Risk

NFL futures odds open as soon as the previous season ends. This is when the market is most uncertain, and sportsbooks post some of the best payouts you’ll see all year.

• Best for: Long-shot teams, breakout players, or bold predictions before the public narrative forms
  
• Risk: Roster moves, training camp injuries, or unexpected slumps can quickly sink early bets
  
• Example: A team at +2500 in March could drop to +800 by November if they start hot—rewarding those who got in early
  

Midseason: Balance of Value and Information

By October and November, the picture is clearer. You know which teams are legitimate contenders and which players are emerging in award races. The odds are shorter than they were in July, but you avoid some of the uncertainty.

• Best for: Backing proven contenders that weren’t obvious preseason favorites
  
• Tip: Look for teams with a soft remaining schedule or players heating up in award discussions
  

Late Season: Safer, Smaller Returns

Heading into December and the playoffs, NFL futures odds tighten dramatically. The favorites are well-defined, and sportsbooks don’t leave much value on the board. Still, some bettors prefer the reduced risk.

• Best for: Safer plays with lower payouts, hedging strategies, or adding final pieces to a futures portfolio
  
• Example: Betting a heavy favorite at +200 in January may not be glamorous, but it can still generate profit if you believe they’re unstoppable
  

⚡ Pro Tip: Many sharp bettors place a mix of early and midseason NFL futures bets—capturing high-value long shots while adding safer, informed picks later to balance risk.

Pros & Cons of NFL Futures Bets

Like any betting market, NFL futures come with unique advantages and drawbacks. Understanding both sides will help you decide how much of your bankroll to dedicate to long-term wagers.

Pros of NFL Futures Bets

• ✅ Big payout potential: Futures odds are often much longer than standard game lines; backing a +2000 underdog that wins the Super Bowl or MVP can deliver a huge return on a relatively small wager
  
• ✅ Season-long engagement: Placing NFL futures bets keeps you invested throughout the season
  
• ✅ Early value opportunities: The best futures bettors jump on odds before the market corrects
  
• ✅ Hedging options: If your futures bet makes it deep into the postseason, you can hedge with single-game wagers to lock in profit
  

Cons of NFL Futures Bets

• ⚠️ Ties up your bankroll: Futures bets may not pay out for months, unlike Sunday spreads
  
• ⚠️ High variability: Injuries, coaching changes, and unexpected slumps can derail even strong positions
  
• ⚠️ Odds shrink quickly: Waiting too long to place your bet often means settling for lower payouts
  
• ⚠️ Limited cash-out options: Some sportsbooks offer midseason cash-outs, but usually at reduced value
  

How NFL Futures Bets Are Paid

Understanding how payouts work is crucial before locking in any NFL futures bet. Futures odds are posted in American odds format, which shows both the risk and the reward relative to a $100 baseline wager.

Reading Positive Odds (+)

When you see plus odds, it means your potential profit is greater than your stake.

• Example: If the 49ers are +380 to win the NFC, a $100 bet would profit $380 (plus return your $100 stake)
  

Reading Negative Odds (–)

When odds are negative, you’re betting on a favorite, and it requires risking more to win less.

• Example: If the Chiefs are -325 to win the AFC West midseason, you’d need to risk $325 to profit $100
  

Parlays with NFL Futures

Futures bets can also be combined into parlays for even bigger payouts. A parlay links multiple wagers together, and all of them must hit for the ticket to cash.

• Example: Bengals +130 to win the AFC North and Chiefs -165 to win the AFC West
  

⚡ Keep in mind: Parlays are riskier since one losing leg means the entire bet fails. Many bettors prefer using futures parlays as a low-stakes, high-reward play rather than a core betting strategy.

Why Payout Clarity Matters

Before making any NFL futures bets, always calculate your potential profit. Futures tie up your bankroll for months, so knowing exactly what you stand to win ensures you’re balancing risk and reward responsibly.

Where to Find the Best NFL Futures Odds

Not all sportsbooks post the same NFL futures odds. Line differences between sites can make a huge impact on your potential payout—especially with long-term bets like Super Bowl winners, win totals, or MVP futures.

Why Odds Shopping Matters

Even a small gap in odds changes your profit:

• Example 1: One sportsbook lists the Ravens at +1200 to win the Super Bowl, while another has them at +1400. A $100 bet would return $1,200 at the first book versus $1,400 at the second
  
• Example 2: A player MVP future at +2500 on one site might only be +2000 elsewhere—costing you significant value if you bet the lower number
  

How to Shop NFL Futures Odds

• Compare multiple sportsbooks: Don’t settle for the first line you see
  
• Check timing: Odds shift quickly after big games, trades, or injuries
  
• Look for boosts: Some sportsbooks offer promotions or boosted futures odds for extra value
  

The Bottom Line

NFL futures bets can tie up your bankroll for months, so every percentage of value counts. By taking the time to shop around, you’re not just betting smarter—you’re guaranteeing the best possible return when your ticket hits.

NFL Futures Betting Strategies

Anyone can place an NFL futures bet, but turning a profit long-term requires strategy. Since futures markets are more volatile and drawn-out than single-game wagers, bettors who plan ahead gain an edge.

1. Build a Futures Portfolio

Treat NFL futures like an investment. Spread risk across:

• One favorite: A safer pick at shorter odds
  
• One or two contenders: Mid-range odds with realistic upside
  
• One long shot: A dark horse with big payout potential
  

2. Look for Mispriced Odds Early

Sportsbooks release NFL futures odds before the public has full information. Opportunities emerge when:

• Teams add impact players in free agency or via trade
  
• Rookie or second-year QBs step into strong situations
  
• Coaching changes signal a scheme upgrade
  

3. Use Hedging to Lock in Profits

If your futures pick reaches the playoffs or a conference title game, hedge by betting the other side in single games to secure profit regardless of the outcome.

4. Consider “Middle” Opportunities

Win totals can be middled by taking Over early and coming back on an inflated Under later (or vice versa), creating a range where both bets can cash.

5. Track the Schedule

Don’t rely only on roster talent. Analyze:

• Early-season softness that can shorten odds quickly
  
• Brutal late-season stretches that threaten overs
  

6. Don’t Ignore Player Futures

Awards and stat-leader markets can offer superior value. Prioritize:

• QBs on playoff-caliber teams for MVP
  
• Skill players in high-volume offenses
  
• Defensive anchors in elite units
  

⚡ Pro Tip: The best futures bettors don’t just place a wager and forget it. They track line movement, add positions when value emerges, and hedge smartly when opportunities arise.

Final Thoughts on NFL Futures

NFL futures bets are a unique way to combine long-term strategy with the excitement of football. Whether you’re chasing value on a Super Bowl underdog, betting player awards, or tracking win totals all season, futures add depth to your betting portfolio. Remember to shop for the best NFL futures odds, time your wagers wisely, and balance risk with reward. Done right, futures betting keeps every week of the NFL season meaningful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are NFL futures bets?

NFL futures bets are wagers on long-term outcomes, such as who will win the Super Bowl, a division, or an individual award like MVP. Unlike standard game bets that settle within hours, futures bets can take weeks or months to resolve.

When are NFL futures odds released?

Sportsbooks usually post NFL futures odds within hours of the previous Super Bowl ending. Odds remain on the board throughout the offseason and regular season, adjusting as teams win, lose, or make roster moves.

Are NFL futures bets profitable?

They can be—especially if you find value before the public catches on. Early bettors often get the best payouts, but they also face more risk since rosters, injuries, and schedules are unpredictable months in advance.

Can I bet NFL futures during the season?

Yes. NFL futures odds stay active throughout the year. In-season bets typically come with shorter odds since sportsbooks already have more information about team performance and player health.

What happens if my player gets injured?

Unless a sportsbook offers specific injury protection, your bet stands. Injury risk is one of the biggest downsides of player futures.

Can you parlay NFL futures bets?

Some sportsbooks allow futures parlays (e.g., combining two division winners). Not all do, and parlays add risk since every leg must hit for the ticket to cash.

Do sportsbooks offer cash-out options for NFL futures?

Some do, typically at reduced value. If your +2000 Super Bowl ticket is alive in January, you may be offered a partial profit to close the bet early.