As the green and white confetti was still falling from the sky many sports bettors around the country barely allowed themselves a minute to reflect and enjoy the big game win, they were already looking at 2026.
That is what it is like to be a sports bettor, always have to look ahead and see if there is some value to be uncovered. The 2026 odds to win the Super Bowl are out and are already being bet heavily. For some it's a tradition to jump on some early lines, for others it's purely strategic.
This upcoming year's opening lines have quite a few teams bunched at the top, and while there will be a lot of movement with free agency and the NFL Draft having some big impact on the teams, getting an early number can prove to be a smart bet, if you can anticipate the future.
Standing at the top of the odds board are the Eagles and Chiefs. Both opened up at +650 odds to win the next Super Bowl that will take place in San Francisco, and both took action right away. The Eagles actually took quite a bit and in some books are down to 6 to 1 odds. Right behind them, and depending on which sports book you're using, right next to those odds are the Ravens, Lions and Bills. All opened up at +700, or 7 to 1 odds, and the Lions and Bills saw some quick money on their futures.
Usually it's not the smartest idea to bet the big favorites this early in the season, because there is no value. If they make some big free agent moves, their odds may decrease slightly, but not enough for interest sake. Going from +700 to +650 doesn't do much.
The next group of teams are in that 'value' area. With a move or two this off season their number can be cut in half. A couple of years ago, when there was a question of the Ravens resigning Lamar Jackson and bringing back Harbaugh, you could get the Ravens the day after the Super Bowl to win the next season at 25 to 1 odds. Lamar resigned and Harbaugh came back and their opening day future odds were down to 12 to 1.
The San Francisco 49ers are at 14 to 1 odds, and that could be some great value if they can stay healthy, but that of course is a big if. The Bengals sit at 16 to 1 and have gotten quite a bit of action after Joe Burrow's 43 TD passes this season, but their #2 wide receiver Tee Higgins is expected to leave in free agency and his return or departure will impact that line. Washington was everyone's favorite upstart team and they sit at 18 to 1 odds to win it all in 2026, but those odds can shift if they are a major player for a top WR or get a big free agent name. The same can be said for the Packers who are at 19 to 1 odds, and had their own starting running back say they need a dynamic top receiver on their team.
Teams in the +2000, or 20 to 1 range always are intriguing. The Los Angeles duo, the Chargers and Rams both opened up at about 25 to 1 and both of their odds will move depending on free agency. The Rams plan to trade Cooper Kupp, who will be his replacement is a major story, and the Chargers need a true #1 receiver, if they get one you can expect these odds to be under +2000. The same can be said for Houston who sit right there at 25 to 1 and their beaten up receiver core is something to watch.
The Vikings had the coach of the year and comeback player of the year but their 30 to 1 odds show that odds makers are unsure that the player will return and they can continue that production. It's a whole other world if an untested rookie is under center rather than Sam Darnold. These odds can drastically move. Denver also sits at 30 to 1 and while they have a great defense, dynamic coach and QB of the future in place, they have a shortage of playmakers on offense. Expect that to change and Denver might open the season at under +2000. The same can be said for the Bucs who are just over 30 to 1 and questions are already being asked how Baker will react to losing his offensive coordinator.
The Bears have a new head coach to go along with their #1 draft pick at QB and have an exciting future, their 40 to 1 odds are tempting for Bears backers. Miami is at 50 to 1 and their best offensive star has asked for a trade, this is a market to watch. Atlanta will be starting a new QB and they sit at 60 to 1, as does Seattle.
At +6500 are the Cardinals and Dallas. This is purely a prove it before you move the line situation for both teams. The Jets and Steelers will both have new QBs next year and 80 to 1 odds. Getting into the 100 to 1 area are the teams you expect. Jacksonville will have a new coach and Indy has some nice pieces, but both don't seem like bets to be in the title game, but if you convince yourself hard enough maybe you can throw a few bucks down.
The Panthers and Patriots have their QB of the future in place, but this isn't about the distant future as both are +12500 to win it all next season. 150 to 1 sees the bottom rung teams in the Browns, Raiders, and Saints. There are so many moving parts with these teams that Vegas doesn't have a QB and the Saints as of the day of the big game didn't have a head coach.
And then there is the longest of long shots. The Titans and Giants are 200 to 1 to win it all next season and both have been tied to a new signal caller. This speaks to more of a franchise issue, but also has a lot to do with how little faith odds makers have in their next potential QB.