Last Updated on August 27, 2025 7:19 am by Michael Cash
NFL futures are a good way to gain a profit in sports predictions. You’re betting long-term, like who will win the Super Bowl or make the playoffs. The payouts are solid because anything can happen across the season. Here’s your full guide to NFL futures.
What you should know about NFL futures bets?
NFL futures are different from your usual game-day selections. These bets settle weeks or months later. You’re predicting outcomes like championships or season totals before the games are even played. If you like to bet in the long run, futures can bring solid value. Here are the most popular NFL futures bets:
- Super Bowl Winner. Bet on which team wins the Lombardi Trophy. Markets stay open all year. Odds shift weekly.
- Conference Winner (AFC/NFC). Pick a team to win its conference. Lower risk, lower payout than the full Super Bowl bet.
- Division Winner. It has 8 NFL divisions, and you bet who occupies the first position. A good variant when you are familiar with your trends in the division.
- Regular Season Wins Total. The sportsbooks post a value (e.g., 9.5 wins). You either placed an Over bet or an Under bet, depending on the anticipated team statistics.
- Individual Awards. You can bet on MVP, Offensive Player, or Defensive Player. The odds move quickly, according to the statistics and headlines.
What is so popular about NFL futures betting?
Futures betting might appear to be a slow business, yet it possesses a lot of potential. These are not quick victories. You select your choices and see them play out as time goes on. That is why it is becoming popular among bettors.
Attractive odds
You do not come across +1000 lines daily. In the 2022 preseason markets, the Chiefs were paid 10x. They were +600 in the year 2023, and they did it again. This is the kind of payout you cannot get with ordinary matchups.
Long-run interest
You remain in the action the whole season. When you bet the Patriots Over 8.5 wins, all the games count until they reach 9. You can still have hope even when your start is bad, such as 0-3. It is a seasonal pick, not a Sunday play.
Multiple options
In case you are not a fan of team bets, pick a player award- MVP, OPOY, etc. You can also wager against your competitor. There’s something for everyone: team, player, totals, etc. That is what keeps it interesting.
NFL Futures: How do they work step by step
Futures betting operates on simple steps. You choose a market, read the odds, and make your pick. Here’s what to do step by step.
Explore odds
NFL futures are usually posted with plus odds. That means you win more than you risk. For example, a bet at +400 pays 400 SOS on a 100 SOS stake. A +1000 line pays 1,000 SOS. Odds change weekly based on team form and injuries. Once the season is halfway done, you’ll start seeing minus odds on some favorites. In this case, a -150 line means you have to stake 150 SOS just to win 100 SOS. Don’t guess, but use a payout calculator. It’s also worth noting: your original stake gets added to your payout if the bet wins.
Place an NFL futures bet
Before placing a bet, make sure you use trusted apps like Melbet. The process is fast and takes a few taps. Just follow the steps below:
- Go to the website or melbet download.
- Sign up and verify your details.
- Open the sportsbook section.
- Tap “NFL” then look for “Futures.”
- Pick a market: team, player, division, or totals.
- Tap your pick, add your stake, and confirm.
- Now watch the season play.
Check the results
Once the season plays out, you’ll see how your bet did. You either hit, miss, or get a payout before the market closes. Here’s how it can go:
- Win. Your team wins the Super Bowl, MVP, or hits the win total you picked. You get your full payout plus the stake.
- Lose. Your pick doesn’t come through. No payout. You lose the stake.
- Early payout. Some sportsbooks offer a buyout if your pick looks solid. You get a smaller win now instead of waiting. Like if your bet is at +800 and it’s down to +200, you might cash out early with a profit.
NFL futures betting strategies
A good bet needs more than luck. The strategy helps you make smarter selections and maybe grab better odds. These tips can help you improve your chances:
- Do your homework. Know the trends, injury history, and team changes. Resources such as MelBet Facebook provide tips that can help.
- Bet early. Odds are higher before the season starts. Like +1800 might drop to +500 if the team starts well.
- Watch your balance. Your money won’t be available for months. So, don’t make big stakes. Try smaller ones on futures than what you usually bet each week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t waste good chances on rookie errors. Here’s what not to do when betting on NFL futures:
- Too many picks. Betting on 5 MVPs means less profit, even if one hits. Spread too wide, and you lose value.
- Ignoring injuries. A player with past ACL issues can ruin your future bet midseason. Know the history before betting.
- Only chasing big odds. +50000 looks good, but rarely pays. Longshots lose more than they hit. Don’t treat betting like a lottery ticket.