NFL and NCAAF Football Futures Preview: 2019/2020 Season
With the football season right around the corner, it’s time to get set for the action by exploring the futures betting options at Bodog Sportsbook for both the College and NFL football. A futures bet is just what it sounds like – you’re wagering on outcomes that will occur in the future.
The most common futures bets include picking the eventual champion in the respective sport, or the most coveted individual award for the season – that’s the MVP when it comes to the NFL lines, and the Heisman trophy for the NCAA lines. Last season’s championships were won by the New England Patriots in the NFL, and the Clemson Tigers in the NCAA. And as for individual bragging rights, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs took home the NFL MVP, while Oklahoma Sooners’ Kyler Murray was awarded the Heisman in the college ranks.
NFL Futures – Odds to Win Super Bowl
Who dares to challenge the legendary defending champions, the New England Patriots, for the Super Bowl this season? Here we take a look at the teams that will likely be contenders as we approach Super Bowl LIV on February 2 in Miami Gardens, according to NFL Vegas odds.
New England Patriots +700 NFL Odds
Having collected a mind-blowing six Super Bowl titles since the 2001 season, the Patriots are the measuring stick against which the rest of the league compares itself (and usually falls short). As long as Tom Brady, who will turn an ancient (by football standards) 42 years old on August 3, is upright and on the gridiron, New England will be considered one of the favourites with +700 NFL Super Bowl odds.
Kansas City Chiefs +800 NFL Odds
At 12-4, the Chiefs were tied for the third-best regular season record in the league in 2018. If that wasn’t enough, they almost defeated the eventual champions New England, falling just short in the AFC championship in overtime. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are one of the top head coach/quarterback combos in the league, so opponents should fear Kansas City, who have +800 NFL odds as of press time.
New Orleans Saints +850 NFL Odds
Speaking of close losses a season ago, the Saints (+850 on the NFL lines) were one blown defensive pass interference call away against the Rams in the NFC title game from almost certainly reaching the Super Bowl. This team still has the firepower and an inspirational team leader in Drew Brees to compete at the highest level.
Los Angeles Rams +900 NFL Odds
Having reached the Super Bowl last season where they were humiliated by the Patriots, the Rams (+900 Super Bowl odds) will want another crack at it this year. You better believe head coach Sean McVay, quarterback Jared Goff, running back Todd Gurley, and defensive tackle Aaron Donald will be motivated to avenge their poor Super Bowl showing in 2019-20.
Chicago Bears +1200 NFL Odds
The Bears’ defence, led by four-time Pro-Bowl linebacker Khalil Mack, was one of the best in the league a season ago and this year should be no different. Teams will likely struggle moving the ball against Chicago, which makes them one of the top contenders for the Super Bowl at +1200 on the NFL lines.
NFL Futures – Odds to Win MVP
There’s only been one non-quarterback MVP winner in the NFL since 2007, running back Adrian Peterson in 2012, so it’s no surprise that our NFL MVP odds favourites list is filled with passers.
Patrick Mahomes +550 NFL Odds
Kansas City’s second-year quarterback sensation impressed fans and experts a season ago, throwing for over 5,000 yards and adding almost 300 yards on the ground, so it’s not difficult to understand why he’s the favourite to defend his MVP trophy at +550 odds.
Andrew Luck +600 NFL Odds
Only Mahomes threw for more touchdowns than Andrew Luck (39) in 2018. Luck’s maturity, accuracy, and leadership skills make the Colt a no-brainer choice for MVP candidacy at +600.
Aaron Rodgers +1000 NFL Odds
As one of the most exciting and unpredictable quarterbacks the game has ever seen, two-time NFL MVP Aaron Rogers of the Green Bay Packers looks poised for a great season following a disappointing 2018 campaign at +1000 MVP odds.
Baker Mayfield +1100 NFL Odds
The Browns’ second-year quarterback isn’t shy telling people how good he is, so watch out for a breakout performance by the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield (+1100 odds) this season.
Drew Brees +1200 NFL Odds
A supreme arm talent, Drew Brees (+1200 MVP odds) is the all-time NFL passing yards leader and remains as sharp as ever, so don’t count against him having another outstanding season.
NCAAF Futures – Odds to win National Championship
Clemson and Alabama have been dominating college football for the past few years now, so it’s no surprise they dwarf their competition when it comes to NCAA odds for the national championship. Here are the top five favourite teams to claim a national title for their school.
Alabama Crimson Tide +225 NCAA Odds
Having secured a staggering five national championships since 2009, the Crimson Tide are the NCAA equivalent of the New England Patriots. Head coach Nick Saban is a top-rate recruiter who gets the most out of his players, but last season his team was humbled in the national title game against Clemson. Playing for a better outcome this season, there’s no doubt Alabama will be laser-sharp behind their leader – quarterback standout Tua Tagovailoa.
Clemson Tigers +225 NCAA Odds
Ever since Dabo Swinney took control of the Clemson football program in 2009 as head coach, the Tigers have enjoyed immense success on the national stage. Clemson has made the college football playoff for four straight seasons, winning two national titles in the process. The Tigers are co-favourites to defend their title this season at +225 NCAA odds.
Georgia Bulldogs +650 NCAA Odds
Barely missing out on the Playoff a season ago, the Bulldogs gave Alabama a run for their money in the SEC championship game, leading the Tide by a touchdown going into the fourth quarter before Jalen Hurts worked his magic and willed his team to victory. Kirby Smart’s roster has a plethora of weapons on both sides of the ball, so don’t sleep on the Dawgs this year at +650 NCAAF odds.
Ohio State Buckeyes +950 NCAA Odds
Ohio State is a blue blood program that competes at the highest level year in and year out. This season, newly appointed head coach Ryan Day and quarterback transfer Justin Fields (from Georgia) will have a lot to prove to themselves and Buckeye nation. Always a tough out at home and on the road, look for this quality Ohio State roster to do some damage on the football field this season.
Michigan Wolverines +1400 NCAA Odds
Losing two key defensive players in Devin Bush Jr and Rashan Gary to the NFL draft following a successful 10-3 season, Jim Harbaugh will have his work cut out for him in 2019. Nonetheless, he fields one of the best defences in the nation every season, so getting first downs won’t be an easy task against Michigan, who round out our NCAAF top five title favourites discussion at +1400 championship odds.
NCAAF Futures – Odds to Win Heisman
Besides the two superstar quarterbacks who battled it out in the national title game last season, two transfer passers with something to prove in 2019 burst their way into our top five Heisman favourites list. Here are the big men on campus expected to compete for the most prestigious individual award in college football, according to the NCAA Heisman odds.
Tua Tagovailoa +250 NCAA Odds
Alabama’s quarterback came close to winning the 2018 Heisman trophy, losing the award by fewer than 300 votes to Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray. Look for another tremendous season out of the Hawaiian, who leads our favourites list with +250 Heisman odds.
Trevor Lawrence +275 NCAA Odds
Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence may possibly have the purest passing delivery in all of college football. The 2018 national championship offensive MVP is poised to continue tearing up his competition this upcoming season as well.
Justin Fields +900 NCAA Odds
Widely considered on par with Trevor Lawrence in the 2018 recruiter rankings, Justin Fields’ talent is undeniable. Unfortunately for him, Georgia also had Jake Fromm on their roster, which forced Fields to transfer to Ohio State. With a massive chip on his shoulder, Fields certainly won’t be lacking motivation in 2019.
Jalen Hurts +1000 NCAA Odds
Speaking of transfers, Oklahoma’s newest quarterback, Jalen Hurts, will have another chance after having lost his starting job to Tagovailoa in Alabama. The three-time national championship participant promises to be a force this season at +1000 NCAAF odds.
Adrian Martinez +1100 NCAA Odds
Nebraska’s most successful true freshman quarterback of all time, Adrian Martinez turned heads by setting numerous records in his first year at Lincoln. If he keeps following this impressive trajectory, he’s a bona fide Heisman contender at +1100 odds.