The opening 2026 NFL conference futures have officially hit the board, and the numbers immediately reveal how differently sportsbooks—and bettors—view the league compared to the end of last season.

A few storylines stand out right away:

• The Carolina Panthers, who pushed the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs, sit 14th of 15 NFC teams.

• The Kansas City Chiefs open fourth in the AFC, their lowest preseason conference position since Andy Reid’s first year in Kansas City.

• The Mike McDaniel effect is real, with the Los Angeles Chargers tied for the third-shortest AFC odds alongside the New England Patriots.

• Rookie buzz is already shaping perception, as the Las Vegas Raiders are only 55/1 behind early optimism surrounding Fernando Mendoza.

Below is a full breakdown of both conferences, plus what the odds signal for the 2026 season.

AFC Conference Futures Odds

Favorites and contenders

• Buffalo Bills — 5/1

• Baltimore Ravens — 11/2 (+550)

• Chargers — 13/2 (+650)

• Patriots — 13/2 (+650)

• Chiefs — 15/2 (+750)

The AFC picture shows a clear shift in power perception. Buffalo and Baltimore sit atop the market, but the real headline is Kansas City’s relative drop. Even after years of dominance, sportsbooks are pricing in conference fatigue, roster turnover, and rising challengers.

Meanwhile, the Chargers’ surge into the top tier reflects strong coaching confidence and roster upside, placing them shoulder-to-shoulder with a resurgent Patriots squad.

Middle tier with upside

• Denver Broncos — 8/1

• Jacksonville Jaguars — 10/1

• Houston Texans — 11/1

• Cincinnati Bengals — 14/1

• Indianapolis Colts — 20/1

This cluster represents the true volatility zone of the AFC—teams talented enough to make a run but inconsistent enough to carry longer odds. Any major quarterback leap or defensive breakout could quickly compress this range.

Long shots

• Steelers — 33/1

• Browns — 50/1

• Raiders — 55/1

• Titans — 66/1

• Miami Dolphins — 90/1

• Jets — 125/1

The Raiders’ relatively shorter long-shot price stands out, signaling real belief in Mendoza’s developmental ceiling compared to other rebuilding teams.

NFC Conference Futures Odds

Top of the board

• Seattle Seahawks — 19/4 (+475)

• Rams — 5/1

• Philadelphia Eagles — 6/1

• Green Bay Packers — 7/1

• Detroit Lions — 15/2 (+750)

Unlike the AFC, the NFC shows tighter parity at the top. Five teams sit within a narrow odds band, suggesting sportsbooks view the conference as wide open rather than top-heavy.

Seattle’s placement as favorite reflects recent momentum and roster continuity, while the Rams and Eagles remain firmly in the contender tier.

Playoff-caliber middle

• San Francisco 49ers — 9/1

• Chicago Bears — 12/1

• Dallas Cowboys — 16/1

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 18/1

• Washington Commanders — 22/1

This tier feels ripe for movement. A single breakout offense or elite defensive season could easily push one of these teams into the top five.

Deep long shots

• Atlanta Falcons — 25/1

• Minnesota Vikings — 28/1

• New York Giants — 40/1

• New Orleans Saints — 50/1

• Panthers — 66/1

• Arizona Cardinals — 125/1

Carolina’s placement is arguably the most surprising number on the entire board, given last postseason’s competitiveness. That disconnect could create early value if internal development continues.

What the Odds Really Tell Us About 2026

1. The AFC hierarchy is shifting

Kansas City’s drop and the rise of Buffalo, Baltimore, Los Angeles, and New England signal a true power transition, not just year-to-year variance.

2. The NFC is wide open

No dominant favorite means playoff seeding and health could decide everything, making mid-tier odds particularly attractive.

3. Youth and coaching hype are driving prices

From McDaniel’s Chargers to Mendoza’s Raiders, perception of future upside is already baked into the market.

Early Value Leans

Based purely on market positioning vs. recent performance:

• Chiefs (15/2) — discounted dynasty pricing.

• 49ers (9/1) — strong roster with non-elite odds.

• Panthers (66/1) — extreme long-shot value relative to playoff competitiveness.

Responsible Gaming

For help and resources, visit our Responsible Gaming page or the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Affiliate Disclosure

We may receive affiliate commissions if you sign up through links on our site. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure.