With 100 days to kickoff, the 2026 NFL futures market has a clear early favorite: the Los Angeles Rams, who shortened to +550 at DraftKings after a blockbuster trade for edge rusher Myles Garrett. The season opens September 9 with a Super Bowl LX rematch between the defending champion Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, and bettors are already shaping the board for Super Bowl LXI.
Quick answer: The Los Angeles Rams are the 2026 Super Bowl favorites at +550 after trading for Myles Garrett, the only team in single digits. The Buffalo Bills sit at +1000 and the Kansas City Chiefs at +1500. The season kicks off September 9 with a Seahawks–Patriots rematch, Seattle a 3.5-point home favorite.
Why the Rams Are the Favorite
The Rams' move from +800 to +650 and then to +600 — landing near +550 — traces directly to the Myles Garrett acquisition from Cleveland. Adding an elite pass rusher to an already strong roster pushed the market to install Los Angeles as the lone single-digit favorite. For bettors weighing a futures ticket, the question is whether that price already bakes in the upside or still offers value before training-camp news moves the line again.
Understanding how trades and injuries reprice futures is a core betting skill. Our betting fundamentals guide explains how markets digest news and why early-season prices can drift significantly.
The Contenders Behind LA
- Buffalo Bills (+1000): Perennial contenders who keep knocking on the Super Bowl door.
- Kansas City Chiefs (+1500): Still dangerous but no longer the default favorite.
- Seattle Seahawks: The defending champions open the season at home and remain a live threat.
Comparing prices across sportsbooks is essential before locking in a futures bet, since a half-point or 100 points of value on a long shot adds up. Our roundup of the best sportsbook promos can help you find boosted odds and free-bet offers to stretch your bankroll.
Reading Super Bowl Futures Odds
Futures odds express both implied probability and payout. A +550 favorite implies roughly a 15.4% chance to win it all, while a +1500 team implies about 6.25%. Because the book builds in a margin, the implied probabilities across all 32 teams sum to well over 100% — that overround is the house edge on futures markets. Sharp bettors look for teams whose true win probability exceeds the implied number.
If you are new to converting American odds into probabilities, our guide to sports betting fundamentals walks through the math step by step.
Opening Night and Early Schedule Spots
The September 9 opener features Seattle as a 3.5-point home favorite over New England in a rematch of last season's title game. Week 1 spreads and totals often carry inflated public money on marquee teams, creating potential contrarian value. Tracking line movement from the schedule release through opening weekend helps bettors identify where the market may be overreacting to offseason hype.
How to Approach NFL Futures Betting
Futures tickets tie up your money for months, so a disciplined approach matters:
- Bet early for value, late for information: Early prices on improving teams can be generous; late prices reflect camp and preseason news.
- Hedge when appropriate: A long shot that reaches the playoffs can be hedged to lock in profit.
- Shop multiple books: Compare the DraftKings review and FanDuel review to see which operator offers the best futures pricing and promos.
- Manage your bankroll: Futures should be a small, calculated slice of your overall wagering budget.
State Availability
As of June 2026, 38 states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico offer legal sports betting, with 30 supporting online wagering. If you want to place an NFL futures bet, check our US sports betting guide to confirm what is legal and live in your state.
Division and Award Futures Worth Watching
Super Bowl odds grab the headlines, but seasoned bettors often find better value in secondary futures markets. Division winner odds, conference champion bets, and regular-season win totals frequently offer softer prices because the books and the public focus most of their attention on the championship market. A team that is a slight overlay to win its division can be a smarter ticket than a long shot to win it all.
Award markets add another layer. MVP odds, Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year all open in the summer and move sharply once depth charts and preseason snaps clarify roles. Quarterbacks dominate MVP betting historically, so value hunters often look for a passer on an improving team whose price has not yet caught up to his situation. With the Rams reloading around their pass rush and offense, both their team and individual markets are worth monitoring as camp opens.
Win totals deserve special attention because they reward research over rooting interest. Strength of schedule, returning starters, and coaching changes all feed into a number that the market sets months before kickoff. Betting the under on an overhyped team or the over on a quietly improved roster can be more reliable than chasing a Super Bowl long shot. Whatever market you choose, the disciplined approach is the same: find an edge, shop for the best price, and stake only what fits your bankroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is favored to win the 2026 Super Bowl?
The Los Angeles Rams are the favorites at +550 after acquiring Myles Garrett, the only team currently with single-digit odds.
When does the 2026 NFL season start?
The season opens September 9 with a Super Bowl LX rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.
What are the Chiefs' and Bills' Super Bowl odds?
The Buffalo Bills sit at +1000 and the Kansas City Chiefs at +1500 in early futures markets.
Should I bet NFL futures now or wait?
Betting early can capture value on improving teams, but waiting until after training camp gives you more information. Many bettors split the difference and shop multiple books.
Conclusion
The 2026 NFL futures board is taking shape early, with the Rams leading after the Garrett trade and a marquee rematch opening the season. Before you place a ticket, compare prices and promotions and bet within your bankroll. Explore DeucesCracked's sportsbook promos and US sports betting guide to start the season sharp.
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