What Are the Best Futures Bets for the 2026 NFL Season?

Football season might be months away, but the betting windows never close. The oddsmakers are already cooking up numbers for next year’s champions. If you’re looking to get some skin in the game early, futures bets offer that perfect mix of anticipation and potential payoff. Let’s dive into the NFL predictions from experts in the 2026 season.

Last Season’s Magic and Standout Stars

There’s a lot to expect next season, but before we look at that, let’s talk about last season’s events. The Kansas City Chiefs shocked nobody by claiming their third championship in five years. Patrick Mahomes was, well, Patrick Mahomes. His connection with Travis Kelce remained nearly unstoppable when it mattered most. But the actual storyline was their defense, which ranked first in allowed points.

Rookie sensation Caleb Williams lived up to the hype and then some for Chicago. His 31-touchdown rookie campaign transformed the Bears’ offense almost overnight. Besides Williams, Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs absolutely exploded in year two. His 1,800 all-purpose yards had fantasy owners and Lions fans equally delighted.

The Most Promising Futures Markets

If anything, keep an eye out on the Chiefs. They are heavy favorites again at +500, but that offers very little betting value. Instead, look at Cincinnati returning to form at +1200. Joe Burrow is fully healthy again, and they’ve finally invested in their offensive line. This might be your best value among the real contenders.

The Philadelphia Eagles at +1400 deserve serious consideration, too. They’ve retooled their defense and added explosive weapons for Jalen Hurts. Moreover, their new offensive coordinator will bring out Hurts’ unique skill set. This team has all the pieces to make another Super Bowl run.

Most Valuable Player Futures Markets

Going on to the MVP of the season, the market offers some intriguing options beyond the usual suspects. CJ Stroud, at +1200, jumps off the page as a potential third-year breakout candidate. His supporting cast has improved, and his progression trajectory suggests a monster season ahead.Offensive Rookie of the Year futures usually favor quarterbacks, so that’s where you should focus. Whichever quarterback lands in Minnesota will likely start immediately and have +650 odds. This market is actually more predictable than most, with starting quarterbacks winning regularly.

Final Thoughts 

Timing matters a lot with futures bets. The best values typically appear after the draft when public perception hasn’t fully adjusted to roster improvements. So don’t wait too long to place your wagers.