NFL Betting Guide: How & Where to Bet on and Follow the National Football League in 2026
Written by: Eddie Griffin
Published: Tue Sep 22, 2026, 8:24 pm ET
Read Time: 13 minutes
Few sports attract as much betting interest as the NFL. From the opening week of the regular season through the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl, bettors have hundreds of games and thousands of betting opportunities to follow.
NFL betting extends well beyond wagering on games each week. Season-long futures and award markets provide additional opportunities, while the NFL Draft and other markets keep NFL betting going during the offseason.
Whether you are looking for NFL odds and picks, researching a bet, or following the biggest storylines of the 2026 season, this NFL betting guide can help you stay informed from Week 1 through Super Bowl 61 and beyond.
Check Out Our Previews for the 2026 NFL Season
The 2026 NFL season is now underway, but the research and analysis that went into preparing for the new season remains useful as the first few weeks unfold.
Our 2026 NFL preseason content includes division previews, betting tips, futures picks, and more. Check out the content below as another season of NFL betting gets underway.
NFL Division Previews
AFC
- AFC East Preview & Odds, Predictions & Picks
- AFC North Preview, Odds & Predictions
- AFC South Preview, Odds & Predictions
- AFC West Preview, Odds, Predictions & Picks
NFC
- NFC East Preview, Odds, Predictions & Picks
- NFC North Preview, Odds, Predictions & Picks
- NFC South Preview, Odds, Predictions & Picks
- NFC West Preview, Odds, Predictions & Picks
NFL Betting Strategy
- Betting Tips for NFL Player Props: Three Stats & Metrics to Consider
- Betting Tips for NFL Player Props: How to Take Advantage of Defensive Schemes & Coverages
- Betting Tips for NFL Touchdown Scorer Props
Other Content
Explore Our NFL Guides to Hone Your Handicapping Skills
NFL betting involves a lot more than picking winners each week. From researching matchups and evaluating betting lines to choosing how and when to wager, there is a lot for bettors to consider. Our NFL betting guides can help you navigate those different parts of the process.
If you want to strengthen your research, start with our guide on how to handicap an NFL game. You can also learn which NFL stats and metrics are worth understanding, how to read NFL injury reports, and what to consider when evaluating the NFL schedule.
Our guides also dig deeper into specific NFL betting markets. Learn more about NFL spread betting, explore the wider range of NFL prop bets, or find out how NFL teasers work. You can also follow season-long markets with our NFL MVP betting guide.
Those are only some of the NFL betting topics we cover. Visit our NFL Betting Guides hub to explore the full collection, including guides dedicated to handicapping, betting research, odds and lines, major NFL events, and more.
Best NFL Betting Sites: Where to Bet on the NFL
Many top online sportsbooks offer NFL odds throughout the year. Bettors can wager on weekly games during the regular season and playoffs, along with futures and awards such as NFL MVP.
With so many options available, choosing the right sportsbook can come down to the odds, markets, features, and overall betting experience it provides. Our best NFL betting sites page takes a closer look at top options such as Lucky Rebel, BetOnline, and Everygame.
Comparing sportsbooks can also help you determine which features matter most to you and whether available sportsbook bonuses and promotions are worth claiming.
NFL Betting Resources
Having reliable betting tools and resources at your disposal can make researching NFL bets much easier. Betting News provides NFL picks, odds, analysis, and other resources throughout the season, while numerous other websites and tools can help you research games and betting markets.
NFL Betting Picks
Seeing how trusted sources bet or lean can provide another perspective when evaluating a matchup.
Our NFL picks page features consensus moneyline, point spread, and over/under picks from numerous sports betting industry sources for every game. Those picks are paired with current sportsbook odds from Lucky Rebel, BetOnline, and other top NFL betting sites, giving you an easy way to compare opinions and see how different sources are approaching each matchup.
Varun Sharma and our other NFL analysts also provide expert picks and analysis throughout the season. Our weekly coverage includes expert picks for each NFL matchup, picks for touchdown scorer props and other prop bets, and NFL staff picks from members of the Betting News team.
You can find even more picks and discussion through the Betting News Network. Shows such as Afternoon Betspresso, The Morning Spread, and Any Given Wager give bettors additional insight throughout the week.
Betting News isn't the only place to find weekly NFL picks. TipMaster.ai and Doc's Sports are among the other free or premium options available to bettors. You can also explore our recommendations for the best follows on gambling Twitter and places to buy premium sports picks.
NFL Betting Odds
NFL odds can differ from one sportsbook to another, so comparing prices can be worthwhile before placing a bet.
Our NFL odds page brings moneyline, point spread, and total odds together for each game. That helps streamline line shopping by allowing you to compare sportsbooks in one place. With your extra time, you can become a grill master or the best cornhole player in the tri-state area.
Other NFL Betting Resources
Picks and odds are only part of the information NFL bettors can use. Statistics, injury information, news, schedules, and other research tools can all provide useful context when evaluating games and betting markets.
There are numerous websites and tools available for those purposes. Our NFL betting resources guide brings many of them together, including resources for statistics, injuries, news, weather, schedules, and other information you may want during your NFL betting research.
Keep Up with the 2026 NFL Season
Every NFL season is a journey from Week 1 to the Super Bowl, with plenty changing along the way. Division races develop, contenders emerge or fall back, and the postseason picture becomes clearer as 32 teams compete for 14 playoff spots.
Throughout the 2026 season, we will keep this section updated with the latest NFL standings and an evolving look at the road to Super Bowl 61.
As the postseason approaches, visit our NFL Playoffs hub for playoff odds, betting information, and postseason content, while our Super Bowl hub will help you prepare for the biggest betting event of the NFL season.
2026 NFL Standings
The tables below show the current 2026 NFL standings by division. Standings will be updated throughout the regular season as the race for division titles and playoff spots develops.
Standings are current as of the end of Week 2.
AFC
AFC East
| Team | W | L | T | PCT |
| Buffalo Bills | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| New England Patriots | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
| New York Jets | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
| Miami Dolphins | 0 | 2 | 0 | .000 |
AFC North
| Team | W | L | T | PCT |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
| Cleveland Browns | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
AFC South
| Team | W | L | T | PCT |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
| Tennessee Titans | 0 | 2 | 0 | .000 |
| Houston Texans | 0 | 2 | 0 | .000 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 0 | 2 | 0 | .000 |
AFC West
| Team | W | L | T | PCT |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| Denver Broncos | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 0 | 2 | 0 | .000 |
NFC
NFC East
| Team | W | L | T | PCT |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| New York Giants | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
| Washington Commanders | 0 | 2 | 0 | .000 |
NFC North
| Team | W | L | T | PCT |
| Minnesota Vikings | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| Detroit Lions | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
| Chicago Bears | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
| Green Bay Packers | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
NFC South
| Team | W | L | T | PCT |
| Carolina Panthers | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
| New Orleans Saints | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 0 | 2 | 0 | .000 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 0 | 2 | 0 | .000 |
NFC West
| Team | W | L | T | PCT |
| Seattle Seahawks | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 1 | 1 | 0 | .500 |
The Road to Super Bowl 61
The journey to Super Bowl 61 begins with all 32 teams chasing the same destination: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Before the AFC and NFC champions get there, the regular season will determine eight division winners and six wild-card teams that advance to the NFL playoffs.
We will update this space throughout the season as that picture develops. From emerging contenders and changing division races to late-season playoff scenarios, postseason matchups, and eventually the conference championship games, follow along as the road to Super Bowl 61 takes shape.
Odds to Win Super Bowl 61
Odds are from Lucky Rebel as of Tuesday, September 22.
| Rank | Team | Odds | Implied Probability | True Probability |
| 1 | Los Angeles Rams | +650 | 13.33% | 10.71% |
| 2 | Buffalo Bills | +750 | 11.76% | 9.45% |
| 3 | San Francisco 49ers | +900 | 10.00% | 8.03% |
| 4 | Baltimore Ravens | +950 | 9.52% | 7.65% |
| 5 | Seattle Seahawks | +1000 | 9.09% | 7.30% |
| 6 | Kansas City Chiefs | +1100 | 8.33% | 6.69% |
| 7 | Cincinnati Bengals | +1600 | 5.88% | 4.72% |
| 8 | Philadelphia Eagles | +1600 | 5.88% | 4.72% |
| 9 | Denver Broncos | +2000 | 4.76% | 3.82% |
| 10 | Detroit Lions | +2000 | 4.76% | 3.82% |
| 11 | Dallas Cowboys | +2200 | 4.35% | 3.49% |
| 12 | Houston Texans | +2200 | 4.35% | 3.49% |
| 13 | New England Patriots | +2200 | 4.35% | 3.49% |
| 14 | Jacksonville Jaguars | +2500 | 3.85% | 3.09% |
| 15 | Minnesota Vikings | +2800 | 3.45% | 2.77% |
| 16 | Chicago Bears | +3000 | 3.23% | 2.59% |
| 17 | Green Bay Packers | +3000 | 3.23% | 2.59% |
| 18 | Los Angeles Chargers | +5000 | 1.96% | 1.57% |
| 19 | Indianapolis Colts | +6000 | 1.64% | 1.32% |
| 20 | Pittsburgh Steelers | +6000 | 1.64% | 1.32% |
| 21 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | +6000 | 1.64% | 1.32% |
| 22 | New York Giants | +7000 | 1.41% | 1.13% |
| 23 | Las Vegas Raiders | +7500 | 1.32% | 1.06% |
| 24 | New Orleans Saints | +8000 | 1.23% | 0.99% |
| 25 | Carolina Panthers | +10000 | 0.99% | 0.80% |
| 26 | Washington Commanders | +12500 | 0.79% | 0.64% |
| 27 | Atlanta Falcons | +15000 | 0.66% | 0.53% |
| 28 | New York Jets | +25000 | 0.40% | 0.32% |
| 29 | Arizona Cardinals | +30000 | 0.33% | 0.27% |
| 30 | Cleveland Browns | +50000 | 0.20% | 0.16% |
| 31 | Miami Dolphins | +100000 | 0.10% | 0.08% |
| 32 | Tennessee Titans | +100000 | 0.10% | 0.08% |
Follow This Season's MVP Race
The NFL MVP race is one of the biggest season-long betting markets, and the outlook can change significantly from Week 1 through the end of the regular season. Performances, team success, injuries, and the changing expectations surrounding leading contenders can all influence NFL MVP odds as the season unfolds.
2026 NFL MVP Odds and Contenders
Odds are from Lucky Rebel as of Tuesday, September 22.
| Player | Position | Team | 2026 NFL MVP Odds |
| Josh Allen | QB | Buffalo Bills | +260 |
| Brock Purdy | QB | San Francisco 49ers | +850 |
| Joe Burrow | QB | Cincinnati Bengals | +950 |
| Patrick Mahomes | QB | Kansas City Chiefs | +950 |
| Lamar Jackson | QB | Baltimore Ravens | +1000 |
| Dak Prescott | QB | Dallas Cowboys | +1600 |
| Jalen Hurts | QB | Philadelphia Eagles | +1900 |
| Matthew Stafford | QB | Los Angeles Rams | +1900 |
| Trevor Lawrence | QB | Jacksonville Jaguars | +1900 |
| Drake Maye | QB | New England Patriots | +2000 |
| Jordan Love | QB | Green Bay Packers | +2900 |
| Tyler Shough | QB | New Orleans Saints | +3300 |
| Jared Goff | QB | Detroit Lions | +4000 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | RB | Detroit Lions | +5000 |
| Bo Nix | QB | Denver Broncos | +5500 |
| Justin Herbert | QB | Los Angeles Chargers | +5500 |
| Kyler Murray | QB | Minnesota Vikings | +6000 |
| Bryce Young | QB | Carolina Panthers | +8500 |
| C.J. Stroud | QB | Houston Texans | +8500 |
| Derrick Henry | RB | Baltimore Ravens | +8500 |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | WR | Seattle Seahawks | +9000 |
| CeeDee Lamb | WR | Dallas Cowboys | +10000 |
| Baker Mayfield | QB | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | +12500 |
| Bijan Robinson | RB | Atlanta Falcons | +12500 |
| James Cook | RB | Buffalo Bills | +12500 |
| Kenneth Walker III | RB | Kansas City Chiefs | +12500 |
| Jonathan Taylor | RB | Indianapolis Colts | +17500 |
| Michael Penix Jr. | QB | Atlanta Falcons | +17500 |
| Saquon Barkley | RB | Philadelphia Eagles | +17500 |
| Chase Brown | RB | Cincinnati Bengals | +20000 |
| Sam Darnold | QB | Seattle Seahawks | +20000 |
| David Montgomery | RB | Houston Texans | +22500 |
When evaluating those contenders, our NFL MVP betting guide takes a deeper look at MVP handicapping, how to approach the betting market, and the history of an award that has become increasingly dominated by quarterbacks.
2026 NFL Season Calendar: Games & Events to Know
There is rarely a quiet week during an NFL season. The bulk of the schedule takes place on Sunday afternoons, but Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football provide a steady stream of standalone matchups throughout the year. As the season progresses, flex scheduling and late-season Saturday games add even more variety to the weekly slate.
Some of the most distinctive games of 2026 will take place far from the usual NFL cities. A record nine international games will be played across seven countries, including the league's first regular-season game in Australia. The international schedule will also take the NFL to Brazil, England, France, Germany, Mexico, and Spain.
The schedule changes again around the holidays. Thanksgiving week brings NFL games on Wednesday, Thanksgiving Day, and Black Friday, while Christmas Day features three more games. By then, the regular season will be entering its final stretch and many of those standalone matchups could carry significant weight in division and playoff races.
Where and when a game is played can also matter when evaluating a matchup. Short weeks, extended rest, bye weeks, long-distance travel, and other scheduling situations are among the factors bettors can consider when analyzing the NFL schedule throughout the season.
Other NFL Betting Information
Other NFL Content by Betting News
The NFL betting information above is only part of what you can find at Betting News. Because the NFL is so popular, we churn out NFL content year-round, from weekly picks and analysis during the season to coverage of the NFL Draft and other offseason storylines.
Our coverage also extends well beyond the NFL. Whether you want to learn how to bet on another sport, understand a type of bet, or explore another part of the sports betting world, you can find guides and resources throughout Betting News.
Check out some of our other NFL content, and bookmark Betting News so you don't miss anything.
This guide is just one of many sports betting guides available at Betting News. If you want to learn a type of bet, how to bet on a sport, league, or event, or understand a betting strategy, we have you covered.
Here are other guides we have for major leagues and competitions:
- NBA Betting Guide
- MLB Betting Guide
- NHL Betting Guide
- College Football Betting Guide
- College Basketball Betting Guide
- WNBA Betting Guide
- Soccer Betting Guide
- Tennis Betting Guide
- Formula 1 Betting Guide
- NASCAR Betting Guide
And in addition to our Super Bowl hub and betting guides, we have many other hubs and guides connected to major events, including the FIFA World Cup, March Madness, all of the Triple Crown horse races (the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes), the College World Series, and the golf and tennis majors.
Follow Betting News on Social Media
We also cover the NFL in great depth on our Twitch streams and our other social media channels. Follow us on Twitch, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube for frequent NFL betting insight from our content team.
Learn About Where to Bet on Sports
At Betting News, we have in-depth reviews of many top online sportsbooks, including Lucky Rebel, BetOnline, and Everygame, as well as top Canadian sportsbooks, international sportsbooks, and VPN-friendly crypto sportsbooks for U.S. players.
Learn About Other Types of Gambling
We don't just cover sports betting, either. Prediction markets like Polymarket are on the rise, and we are ramping up our coverage of that sector.
Outside of sports and sports betting, we also have a slew of resources dedicated to casino gambling and online poker.
Do you love to play online slots, blackjack, roulette, and other popular online casino games? Check out our catalog of casino guides and learn all you need to know to play your favorite games at the best online casinos.
Do you like to play Texas Hold'em or Five Card Draw while competing for real money against other players around the world? Check out our online poker guides and explore our recommendations of top online poker sites.
Remember, betting on the NFL and any other sport or league should be for entertainment and enjoyment. Always bet responsibly and utilize good bankroll management.
But if you find yourself having trouble sticking to responsible gambling practices, take a step back and/or use resources such as the National Council on Problem Gambling to get the help you may need.