The National Football League, or NFL for short, is a professional American football league in the United States. The league consists of 32 teams participating. The league was founded in 1920 and went through two mergers with the AAFC and AFC leagues. The season takes place from the 5th of September and ends on the first Sunday of February the following year. In football betting, there are many different forms and odds. One form that interests many players is futures betting. So, what are the NFL futures bets? Why should one bet on futures? Let's find out with experts Wintips.com through the content below.
What are NFL Futures Bets?
NFL futures bets are a type of sports betting where you place wagers on outcomes that will be determined at a later time, typically at the end of the NFL season or even beyond. These bets focus on long-term events rather than individual games. The term "futures" reflects the idea that you're betting on events that will happen in the future, such as the outcome of the Super Bowl, conference championships, division winners, and player awards.
Placing bets on NFL futures offers the potential for profitability and excitement by predicting early-season outcomes. However, it's essential to exercise caution, as committing a significant sum to an NFL futures bet can result in your funds being locked up for an extended period. An NFL futures bet involves wagering on upcoming professional football events, often scheduled later in the year.
Common Forms of NFL Futures Bets
NFL Super Bowl Futures
NFL Super Bowl futures attract widespread interest, often appearing on numerous sports betting apps immediately after the conclusion of the current season's Super Bowl. This optimistic period usually yields optimal NFL future opportunities; however, the impact of free agency and the NFL Draft can shift the prime time for making Super Bowl selections to May or beyond. Throughout the upcoming season, you can also engage in NFL futures 2024 selections, with these future odds being adapted as the season unfolds.
NFL MVP
The AP NFL MVP accolade represents the pinnacle of NFL player futures, typically favoring a quarterback from a prominent NFL team as the recipient. Provided here are NFL futures odds from BetMGM for five leading contenders vying for this season's award:
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (+650)
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (+650)
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (+750)
- Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (+900)
- Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (+1000)
NFL Regular Season Win Totals
Another sought-after NFL futures betting option is the over/under win total prediction for the forthcoming season.
- Buffalo Bills: Over/under of 10.5 wins (-130 for the over, +110 for the under).
- Chicago Bears: Over/under of 7.5 wins (-120 for the over, +100 for the under).
- Cincinnati Bengals: Over/under of 11.5 wins (+100 for the over, -120 for the under).
- Dallas Cowboys: Over/under of 10 wins (-115 for the over, -105 for the under).
- Kansas City Chiefs: Over/under of 11.5 wins (-125 for the over, +105 for the under).
- New York Giants: Over/under of 8.5 wins (+140 for the over, -165 for the under).
- New York Jets: Over/under of 9.5 wins (-130 for the over, +110 for the under).
- Philadelphia Eagles: Over/under of 11 wins (-115 for the over, -105 for the under).
- San Francisco 49ers: Over/under of 10.5 wins (-120 for the over, +100 for the under).
- Washington Commanders: Over/under of 7.5 wins (+125 for the over, -150 for the under).
NFL Playoff Futures
With the NFL playoffs now expanded to 14 teams, the allure of playoff futures odds has surged, as nearly half of the franchises will secure postseason berths. Here are the 2024 NFL futures odds from Caesars Sportsbook for various prominent teams:
- Dallas Cowboys: (-210 to make the playoffs, +175 to miss the playoffs).
- Detroit Lions: (-170 to make the playoffs, +140 to miss the playoffs).
- Baltimore Ravens: (-160 to make the playoffs, +130 to miss the playoffs).
- Seattle Seahawks: (-130 to make the playoffs, +110 to miss the playoffs).
- Miami Dolphins: (-115 to make the playoffs, -105 to miss the playoffs).
- New York Giants: (+140 to make the playoffs, -170 to miss the playoffs).
- Minnesota Vikings: (+120 to make the playoffs, -140 to miss the playoffs).
- Cleveland Browns: (+110 to make the playoffs, -130 to miss the playoffs).
- New England Patriots: (+250 to make the playoffs, -320 to miss the playoffs).
- Los Angeles Rams: (+250 to make the playoffs, -320 to miss the playoffs).
NFL Division Winners
The NFL's divisional structure, with four-team divisions, frequently generates prime opportunities for future selections on division winners, ranking among the top bets. Here are the favored division winners.
- AFC East: Buffalo Bills (+130).
- AFC North: Cincinnati Bengals (+125).
- AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars (-160).
- AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs (-160).
- NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles (+100).
- NFC North: Detroit Lions (+145).
- NFC South: New Orleans Saints (+135).
- NFC West: San Francisco 49ers (-175).
NFL Players of the Year Futures
While the NFL MVP award holds considerable prominence, numerous other individual accolades offer prime opportunities for some of the most favorable NFL futures bets.
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Typically bestowed upon a non-quarterback with exceptional performance, this award serves as a recognition of the top skill position player of the year.
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Often claimed by the premier pass rusher, this award has seen only one non-pass rusher (Stephon Gilmore in 2019) win since 2014.
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: Unlike other awards, this accolade transcends positional favoritism, with running backs, quarterbacks, and wide receivers equally eligible as winners over the past decade.
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: In recent times, edge pass rushers have dominated this award, yet historical trends reveal its inclusivity for outstanding defensive players from various positions.
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year: This award usually recognizes players who triumph over significant injuries to return to the field.
NFL Stat Leader Futures
Amidst the most prolific offensive era in NFL history, betting on NFL stat leaders through futures bets emerges as one of the most exhilarating opportunities. This genre includes predictions such as the league's leader in passing yards or touchdown passes, a feat accomplished by Patrick Mahomes in both domains last season. Selections for the 2024 season are open, with the 2024 NFL futures odds for these categories anticipated shortly after Super Bowl 58.
- Passing yards: Patrick Mahomes (+400).
- Rushing yards: Jonathan Taylor (+700).
- Receiving yards: Justin Jefferson (+650).
Top 4 Best NFL Futures Betting Addresses 2024
1/ BetMGM
The online bookmaker BetMGM has a full range of NFL futures, with wager types that include exact outcomes, straight bets, Top 2, and dual forecasts for every division, plus the ability to bet on whether a team will finish first through fourth in its respective division.
The BetMGM bonus code USATODAY offers new customers a first bet deal of up to $1,000, which includes a bonus bet refund for opening wager losses up to that amount.
2/ Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook offers 21 NFL futures bet categories, including items like the regular season MVP, the leaders in seven main statistical categories, and a Super Bowl exacta wager. The Caesars Sportsbook promo code USATODAYFULL provides first-time customers with a first-bet offer of up to $1,250 that offsets an initial bet loss with a bonus bet of equal value, up to $1,250.
You also get 1,000 Tier credits and 1,000 Rewards credits in the Caesars Rewards program with this introductory deal.
3/ DraftKings
DraftKings is arguably the king when it comes to types of NFL futures bets, as it has dozens of wagers in many categories, including team futures, awards, player futures, player totals, season specials, division specials, and more.
The DraftKings promo code grants new customers a deal where they can bet $5 to get $150 in bonus bets instantly, delivering a return of more than 40-1, regardless of whether your opening bet wins or loses.
4/ FanDuel
FanDuel could claim the title of the top NFL futures sportsbook based solely on volume; however, another standout element is its rare NFL futures markets, including defensive props and exact regular season win totals.
The FanDuel promo code helps new bettors with their opening wager via its No Sweat First Bet and gives a bonus bet refund for a first bet loss of up to $1,000.
Reading Guide NFL Futures Bets Odds
There are three ways that online sportsbooks list their NFL future odds, but all are simply methods to show what your profit would be from making NFL future bets. Below are the three ways, along with explanations of how each method works.
- American Odds: This format encompasses both negative and positive numbers. Negative figures indicate the required wager for a $100 profit, such as a -110 odds bet, which necessitates a $110 wager for a $100 gain. Conversely, positive numbers reveal the potential profit from a $100 bet, such as a +250 odds pick delivering a $250 profit on a winning $100 bet.
- Decimal Odds: Although decimal odds are less common in the United States, they find widespread global use. Remarkably intuitive when using a $10 wager as a reference, a 1.75 odds bet in NFL futures would yield $17.50 in profit upon success.
- Fraction Odds: Fraction odds are easily grasped when envisioning a $10 NFL futures bet at 3-1 odds. If the '1' side of the wager wins, it would yield a $30 payout. Fraction odds are more prevalent internationally than in the United States.
There are online betting calculators that can assist you in determining potential payouts for various types of odds. This can help standardize comparisons when considering different odds formats on websites that don't use the same type of odds. The best NFL betting apps can also provide comparison tools.
See also: Roundup of the best todays football tips from experts
Steps to register and bet on NFL Futures Bets
Each online sportsbook boasts a distinct user interface to facilitate new account registration. While these interfaces vary, there are common steps you must undertake before indulging in NFL-style future bets. Initiating the procedure involves selecting and downloading a sports betting app, and then enrolling in one of the app's promotional offers. During this sign-up process, you'll be prompted to provide essential personal details, such as your name and address, which are necessary for account creation.
For BetMGM registrations, you must enter the BetMGM bonus code USATODAY in the designated field. Meanwhile, Caesars Sportsbook sign-ups require the Caesars Sportsbook promo code USATODAYFULL in the relevant section. After that, a verification phase confirms that you are in a state where the online sportsbook is licensed and that you comply with the legal betting age in that jurisdiction.
Fulfilling the minimum deposit requirement is also essential. Upon completing these stages, you'll gain access to the app's NFL betting section, specifically tailored for locating NFL futures wagers.
FAQ so NFL Futures Bets
How do NFL futures odds work?
NFL futures odds operate by allowing you to place bets on future outcomes of events within the NFL. For instance, let's say you believe the New York Jets will emerge as the AFC East champions in the 2024 NFL season. To make this wager, visit the NFL futures section on your chosen online sportsbook and place your bet. If the Jets do win the division, your bet is successful, and the profits from your wager will be credited to your account.
Can I parlay NFL futures?
Yes, NFL futures can be combined in parlays with other NFL futures or any available parlay bets. Add the desired parlays to your betting slip and include the NFL futures parlay you're interested in. Remember that every component of the parlay must win for your bet to be successful. Therefore, you'll need to wait until the NFL futures bet settles before your parlay wager can be declared a winner.
How do NFL futures pay out?
NFL futures payouts function like typical bets. After your winning bet is resolved, the winnings are promptly added to your account. These funds can then be withdrawn or used for further wagers.
Are NFL futures worth it?
NFL futures offer entertainment value and the potential for significant payouts due to their often lucrative odds. However, they are generally considered riskier bets with lower success rates. It's advisable to view them as supplementary wagers rather than a primary strategy for building a betting bankroll.
When is the best time to bet on NFL futures?
The initial NFL futures for an upcoming season are typically released shortly after the previous season's Super Bowl. This provides an extended timeframe for making NFL futures bets. To maximize your advantage during this period, conduct thorough research and compare odds from different sportsbooks. Offseason player movements through free agency and the draft can influence odds, making it beneficial to track these developments and make informed bets before the season begins.
Conclusion
Above is all the information about NFL Futures Bets that we have synthesized, analyzed, and shared with you. For some, this type of bet may be relatively new. However, we encourage you to read, reference, and experience it for yourself. We believe you will not be disappointed. NFL Futures Bets are available at many online football bookmakers. You can consider placing bets to win. Good luck!
