NFL Odds & Betting Guide | American Football 2026

The National Football League (NFL) is the pinnacle of American football, captivating millions each season with fierce rivalries, star athletes, and dramatic finishes. In the U.S., NFL betting has become a major industry—fans love putting their money where their picks are, whether that’s on game outcomes, player performances, or long-term season futures.

This guide takes you through everything you need to know about betting on the NFL — not theory, but real strategy used throughout the season and offseason—complete with odds, schedules, and insider tips. Interested in College Football action as well? Here is our NCAAF betting odds page!

Upcoming NFL Matches & Odds

NFL Team betting odds: Popular franchise betting hubs

Dallas Cowboys betting odds	New England Patriots betting odds
Pittsburgh Steelers betting odds	Philadelphia Eagles betting odds

NFL Page Navigation (Quick Guide)

What Do You Need?	What You’ll Find Here!
NFL Key Dates (2026–27 Season)	View the 2026/27 NFL season at a glance.
When Do 2026 NFL Odds Come Out?	Odds are updated slowly: Find out when.
NFL 2026 Games Schedule & Odds	Weekly games, spreads, and moneylines.
2026 NFL Outrights & Futures Odds	Who are the favorites for Super Bowl LXI?
Where Can I Find NFL Expert Picks?	Expert game-by-game picks and analysis.
Best U.S. Sportsbook for NFL Betting	Top platforms for placing your wagers
Modus: NFL Season Flow Explained	Preseason through Super Bowl explained.
NFL Betting Markets Explained	Spreads, totals, props, parlays, and live bets.
NFL Betting Strategy: Bet Right	Tips to bet smarter & avoid common errors.
Famous NFL Historical Highlights	Past champions, milestone moments, key data
Responsible Gambling: Bet Safely	Resources to bet safely & manage bankroll.
FAQ & Betting Tips	Answers to common NFL questions

2026 NFL Key Dates: NFL Season at-a-Glance ✅

Phase 🏈	Date(s) ⌛
Franchise tag window	Feb 17 – Mar 3, 2026
Legal tampering period	Mar 9–11, 2026
Free agency begins	Mar 11, 2026 (4:00 PM ET)
Annual League Meeting	Mar 29 – Apr 1, 2026
Restricted FA offer sheets	Apr 17–22, 2026
NFL Draft	Apr 23–25, 2026
Fifth-year option deadline	May 4, 2026
Schedule release	May 13, 2026 (8:00 PM ET expected window)
Rookie minicamp window	May 8–10 or May 15–17, 2026
OTAs	May 26 – Jun 18, 2026
Mandatory minicamps	Jun 9–11, 2026
Post-June 1 cap designation	Jun 1, 2026
Franchise tag extension deadline	Jul 15, 2026 (4:00 PM ET)
Training camps open	Jul 21–23, 2026
Hall of Fame Game	Jul 30, 2026
Preseason Week 1	Aug 6–10, 2026
Preseason Week 2	Aug 13–17, 2026
Preseason Week 3	Aug 20–24, 2026
Final roster cuts	Aug 25, 2026
Regular season kickoff (Week 1 TNF)	Sep 10, 2026
Trade deadline	Nov 3, 2026 (4:00 PM ET)
Regular season ends	Jan 3, 2027
Wild Card Weekend	Jan 9–11, 2027
Divisional Round	Jan 16–17, 2027
Conference Championships	Jan 24, 2027
Pro Bowl Games	Jan 31, 2027
Super Bowl LXI	Feb 14, 2027
2027 League year begins	Mar 10, 2027 (4:00 PM ET)

When Do 2026-27 NFL Betting Odds Come Out?

Sportsbooks don’t release all NFL odds at once — the betting market opens in phases throughout the year. Understanding the calendar helps bettors grab the best numbers before the public moves them.

The National Football League betting market actually starts months before Week 1.

Phase	What Odds Release	Best For Bettors
After Super Bowl (Feb)	Super Bowl & MVP futures	Longshot value
Free Agency (Mar)	Updated futures & divisions	Reacting to roster moves
NFL Draft (Apr)	Win totals & awards	Analytical bettors
Schedule Release (May)	Week 1 spreads	Early line value
Training Camp (Jul–Aug)	Props & adjusted totals	Depth chart edges
Weekly Season (Sep–Jan)	Full weekly markets	Game-by-game betting

Quick rule:

• Early odds = softer numbers
• Late odds = more accurate numbers

NFL Odds & Schedule for upcoming matches

We deliver complete week-by-week NFL lines, matchups, dates, and kickoff times. Need to see the spread on your favorite match in Week 1 or total points for Monday Night Football? We’ve got it covered—fresh, updated, and ready to place in your bet slip.

Follow our NFL odds and compare the offers. Additionally, we advise making a bookmaker comparison to place your bet at the best-suited sportsbook. Take sports betting bonus offers into consideration.

NFL Future bets for the NFL Season 2026-27

NFL 2026-27 Outrights Odds (Who Will Win The Super Bowl LXI?)

To Win Outright	Odds	Bet HERE!
Seattle Seahawks	+850	bet now at Bet365
Los Angeles Rams	+850	bet now at Bet365
Buffalo Bills	+1100	bet now at Bet365
Baltimore Ravens	+1200	bet now at Bet365
Philadelphia Eagles	+1400	bet now at Bet365
Green Bay Packers	+1400	bet now at Bet365
New England Patriots	+1500	bet now at Bet365
Detroit Lions	+1500	bet now at Bet365
Los Angeles Chargers	+1500	bet now at Bet365
Kansas City Chiefs	+1500	bet now at Bet365
Denver Broncos	+1800	bet now at Bet365
San Francisco 49ers	+1800	bet now at Bet365

NFL 2026-27 Conference Championship: To Win Conference

AFC Championship 2026-27 Odds

To Win AFC Conference	Odds	Bet HERE!
Buffalo Bills	+500	bet now at Bet365
Baltimore Ravens	+550	bet now at Bet365
New England Patriots	+700	bet now at Bet365
Kansas City Chiefs	+750	bet now at Bet365
Los Angeles Chargers	+750	bet now at Bet365
Denver Broncos	+900	bet now at Bet365
Houston Texans	+1000	bet now at Bet365

NFC Championship 2026-27 Odds

To Win NFC Conference	Odds	Bet HERE!
Seattle Seahawks	+425	bet now at Bet365
Los Angeles Rams	+450	bet now at Bet365
Green Bay Packers	+700	bet now at Bet365
Detroit Lions	+750	bet now at Bet365
Philadelphia Eagles	+750	bet now at Bet365
San Francisco 49ers	+1000	bet now at Bet365
Chicago Bears	+1400	bet now at Bet365

NFL 2026-27 Super Bowl LXI MVP Odds

Super Bowl LXI MVP	Odds	Bet HERE!
Josh Allen	+550	bet now at Bet365
Lamar Jackson	+750	bet now at Bet365
Drake Maye	+800	bet now at Bet365
Justin Herbert	+1000	bet now at Bet365
Joe Burrow	+1000	bet now at Bet365
Patrick Mahomes	+1200	bet now at Bet365
Dak Prescott	+1400	bet now at Bet365
Matthew Stafford	+1400	bet now at Bet365
Jordan Love	+1600	bet now at Bet365
Trevor Lawrence	+1600	bet now at Bet365
Caleb Williams	+1600	bet now at Bet365
Brock Purdy	+1800	bet now at Bet365

NFL Betting Picks

Our weekly content includes game-by-game picks, win total strategies, and Super Bowl futures analysis. Expert-curated insights help turn a guess into an informed wager.

Follow the link to see more Betting Predictions for different Sports.

Where to Bet NFL Games Online (USA)

For top-tier odds, futures markets, live betting, and player props, Bookmakers like BetMGM, FanDuel, Fanatics, and DraftKings stand out. Their NFL coverage is deep, promos are frequent during football season, and the user interface is pro-quality for gridiron fans.

How the NFL Season Works (Modus)

The National Football League season has three main phases — preseason, regular season, and playoffs — all leading to the Super Bowl.

Regular Season

• Duration: Early September to early January each year.
• Games: 32 teams each play 17 games over 18 weeks, with one bye week per team.
• Schedule Formula: Teams face division opponents twice, a rotating set of conference and inter‑conference teams, plus one additional non‑conference game based on standings.

Playoffs

• Field:14 teams — 7 from each conference (AFC and NFC).
  • Four division winners and three wild cards per conference.
• Seeding: Teams are seeded 1–7 by record; the #1 seed gets a bye in the first round.
• Rounds:
  • Wild Card Weekend: Seeds #2–7 play three games per conference.
  • Divisional Round: Top seed hosts lowest remaining seed.
  • Conference Championships: Winners play for the AFC and NFC titles.
  • Super Bowl: Conference champs meet in a neutral-site championship game.

Super Bowl

The season culminates with the Super Bowl — the NFL’s championship game played in February. For the 2026 season (2026–27), Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Why Bet on NFL Games?

NFL games are broadcast nationwide and offer consistent weekly action. With detailed stats, media coverage, and strong fan engagement, NFL betting provides both entertainment and the opportunity for smart, data-driven wagers. From weekly matchups to season-long futures, there’s always something to bet on.

NFL Betting Markets: Monelines, Spreads, Props & Futures

NFL betting includes a wide variety of markets that cater to different betting styles. Here’s an overview of the most common types of NFL bets:

Moneyline Bets

Moneyline betting is straightforward—you pick the team you believe will win the game. For example:

• Dallas Cowboys -150
• New York Giants +130

A $150 bet on the Cowboys wins $100 if they win. A $100 bet on the Giants wins $130 if they pull off the upset.

Point Spread Betting

Point spreads level the playing field by assigning a handicap. Example:

• Buffalo Bills -3.5
• Miami Dolphins +3.5

The Bills must win by 4 or more points to cover the spread. If the Dolphins lose by 3 or fewer (or win outright), they cover the spread.

Over/Under (Totals)

Betting on the total points scored by both teams combined. Example:

• Over/Under 47.5

If the game ends 28-24, the total is 52, and the over wins. NFL betting on totals is great for those who analyze offensive and defensive trends.

Prop Bets

NFL prop bets let you wager on specific outcomes, such as:

• Will a quarterback throw for over 300 yards?
• Will a running back score a touchdown?

These are ideal for fans who follow individual player performance.

Futures Bets

Futures are long-term wagers, such as:

• Who will win the Super Bowl?
• Which player will be named MVP?

NFL betting on futures requires patience but offers big payouts.

Parlays and Teasers

Parlays combine multiple bets into one ticket for higher payouts, but all picks must win. Teasers allow you to adjust point spreads in your favor, but also require multiple correct outcomes. Check out our predictions page, where we have you covered with Parlay picks (same-game and different-game!)

Live Betting

NFL live betting allows you to place wagers during the game with updated odds based on real-time performance. This is a great way to capitalize on momentum shifts.

NFL Betting Strategy: How Experienced Bettors Bet NFL

Betting the National Football League isn’t about predicting winners — it’s about beating the spread consistently over hundreds of wagers.

Professional bettors don’t try to go 70%. They try to beat the closing line value (CLV). If your bets consistently beat the final number before kickoff, profits usually follow long-term.

1. Understand Key Numbers in NFL Spreads

Football scoring comes in predictable increments. Most common margins of victory:

• 3 points
• 6 points
• 7 points
• 10 points
• 14 points

Moving from -3 to -3.5 is far more important than moving -6 to -6.5. That’s why serious bettors maintain multiple sportsbooks — not for bonuses, but for half-points.

2. Timing the Bet Matters More Than the Pick

NFL betting markets move in phases:

Time	Who Moves the Line
Sunday night – Tuesday	Professional bettors
Wednesday – Friday	Market correction
Weekend	Public money

If you agree with sharps → bet early
If you fade public → bet late

3. Injuries Matter — But Not the Way Most Think

Public bettors react mostly to quarterbacks.
Experienced bettors track:

1. Offensive line injuries
2. Cornerback depth
3. Defensive pressure rate

A missing left tackle often impacts totals more than spreads.

4. Scheduling Spots Create Hidden Edges

Situations that historically affect performance:

• Short week (Thursday games)
• West-to-East early kickoff
• Road teams after overtime
• Back-to-back road travel
• Late-season eliminated teams vs playoff teams

Sportsbooks price power ratings well — they price fatigue less accurately.

5. Totals Are Often Softer Than Spreads

Because the public prefers favorites, sportsbooks sharpen spreads faster than totals.

Totals bettors often find value in:

• Wind games
• Slow-paced offenses
• Backup quarterbacks
• Defensive matchup mismatches

6. Track Your Closing Line Value (CLV)

After kickoff, compare your bet to the closing spread.

• Example:
  • You bet -2.5
  • Closing line -4

You made a good bet — even if it lost. Over a season, beating closing numbers is the strongest indicator of long-term profitability.

7. Bankroll Management (Non-Negotiable)

Most successful bettors risk:

• 1–2% of bankroll per play
• Not per day — per bet.

Flat betting protects against variance, which is unavoidable in football due to small sample sizes.

Common Mistakes Recreational Bettors Make

• Betting on too many games on Sunday
• Overreacting to last week’s score
• Chasing losses at night
• Betting on popular teams weekly
• Ignoring weather
• Using parlays as a main strategy

The NFL is efficient — edges are small. Discipline matters more than prediction skill.

Most Famous NFL Teams and Historical Highlights

Season	Super Bowl	Champion
2016	LI	New England Patriots
2017	LII	Philadelphia Eagles
2018	LIII	New England Patriots
2019	LIV	Kansas City Chiefs
2020	LV	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2021	LVI	Los Angeles Rams
2022	LVII	Kansas City Chiefs
2023	LVIII	Kansas City Chiefs
2024	LIX	Philadelphia Eagles
2025	LX	Seattle Seahawks

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs appear three times as champions (2020, 2023, 2024), marking a dominant stretch.

Philadelphia Eagles

In 2025, the Eagles blasted the Chiefs 40–22 to capture their second Super Bowl trophy.

New England Patriots

Led by Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots won 6 Super Bowls and became the dominant team of the 2000s and 2010s.

Dallas Cowboys

Known as “America’s Team,” the Cowboys have a storied history and one of the largest fanbases. They have five Super Bowl titles.

Pittsburgh Steelers

With 6 Super Bowl wins, the Steelers are one of the most successful franchises in NFL history, featuring legends like Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger.

San Francisco 49ers

Home to Hall of Famers like Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, the 49ers were dominant in the 1980s and remain contenders today.

Feel the NFL betting excitement

NFL betting provides endless excitement for fans and bettors alike. By understanding the league, its betting markets, and applying strategic principles, you can enhance both your enjoyment and your profitability. Whether you’re into spreads, props, or futures, disciplined and informed NFL betting can turn football Sundays into winning experiences. Good luck and happy betting!

For further info, visit the official NFL website!

Responsible Gambling Reminder

Betting should always be fun and controlled. Follow these key principles to stay safe while wagering on NFL games:

• Set a Budget: Only wager what you can afford to lose.
• Use Time Limits: Avoid chasing losses by taking breaks.
• Avoid Chasing Losses: Stick to your plan and bankroll strategy.
• Recognize Problem Signs: If betting interferes with daily life, seek help.
• Resources & Helplines:
  • Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for confidential support.
  • Visit ncpgambling.org for guidance and self-exclusion programs.
• Stay Informed: Understand betting markets, odds, and risks before placing wagers.

Tip: Combining disciplined bankroll management with knowledge of the NFL season, teams, and betting markets is the best way to enjoy betting safely.

FAQ: NFL Betting Explained