Betting on college football playoff futures is an exciting way to engage with the season, and it all begins with understanding online college football bets. These wagers allow you to predict which teams will make the playoffs or even win the national championship. While they can offer enticing payouts, it’s important to remember that these bets come with increased risk, as the outcomes won’t be determined until the end of the season.
In this article, we’ll explore strategies for placing your futures bets, including evaluating team performance, analyzing strength of schedule, and keeping an eye on injury reports. We’ll also discuss how to identify value in the odds and when to make your move.
How to Bet on College Football Playoff Futures
Must-Read: Expert Analysis Points to the Biggest Snubs and Surprises in the College Football Playoff Race
2024 NCAA Division I FBS Football Season | 155th season of college football in the United States
Week 10: Tuesday, October 29th – Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
Betting College Football Week 10 Games
Betting on college football playoff futures involves predicting which teams will either make the playoffs or win the national championship.
These bets can offer larger payouts but come with added risk, as the outcome won’t be known until the end of the season.
This guide will break down the basics and offer tips to get started.
Writer’s Teaches You on NCAAF Futures
What Are College Football Futures?
Futures bets involve wagering on events that will happen later in the season.
In college football, popular futures markets include betting on which teams will make the College Football Playoff or win the national championship.
These odds are available well before the season starts and are updated throughout the year based on team performance and other factors like injuries.
Futures odds usually lock in at the time of your bet, meaning the payout won’t change even if the odds shift later in the season.
Types of College Football Futures Bets
There are a few ways to approach futures betting:
- National Champion:
You place a bet on the team you think will win the College Football Playoff.
These odds are usually available throughout the season. - Playoff Appearance:
Some sportsbooks allow bets on whether a specific team will qualify for the four-team playoff. - Conference Champions:
These bets focus on which team will win their conference title, such as the SEC, Big Ten, or ACC.
Winning a conference title can boost a team’s playoff chances. - Heisman Trophy Winner:
Futures aren’t limited to teams—you can also bet on individual player awards, like the Heisman Trophy, given to the best player in college football.
How to Read Futures Odds
Futures odds are usually displayed in American odds format, with either a plus (+) or minus (-) sign.
- Positive Odds:
If a team has odds of +500, a $100 bet will pay out $500 if the team wins.
The higher the number, the more unlikely the outcome, but the higher the potential payout. - Negative Odds:
If a team has odds of -200, you must bet $200 to win $100.
These odds indicate a favorite, but the payout is smaller.
Odds will change throughout the season depending on how teams perform.
For example, if an underdog team starts winning unexpectedly, their odds will shorten, meaning a lower payout if you place a bet later.
Strategies for Betting on Futures
Smart futures betting goes beyond just looking at rankings and win-loss records.
Here are a few strategies to keep in mind:
- Evaluate Strength of Schedule:
Teams facing a tougher schedule may have a harder time winning enough games to make the playoffs.
Look at upcoming opponents and key matchups that could affect their path to the playoff. - Monitor Injuries and Depth:
Injuries to star players can derail a season.
Teams with deeper rosters have a better chance of overcoming setbacks.
Pay attention to injury reports, especially late in the season. - Conference Strength Matters:
Some conferences, like the SEC and Big Ten, have strong competition, making it harder for a team to emerge undefeated.
Weigh how a team’s conference schedule might affect their playoff chances. - Look for Early Value:
Betting early can provide better odds, especially if you think a team will exceed expectations.
However, waiting a few weeks into the season can offer more clarity about which teams are performing well.
Managing Risk with Futures Bets
Since futures bets tie up your money for an extended period, managing risk is crucial.
Here are a few tips to protect your bankroll:
- Diversify Your Bets:
Instead of placing one large bet on a single team, spread your bets across multiple teams.
This increases the likelihood of hitting at least one winning outcome. - Track Odds Changes:
If your sportsbook allows cash-out options, consider cashing out if the odds swing in your favor midseason.
This locks in a profit without waiting for the final result. - Use a Small Portion of Your Bankroll:
Since futures are long-term bets with uncertain outcomes, it’s wise to use only a small part of your betting budget. - Hedge Your Bets:
If a team you bet on reaches the playoffs, you can place smaller bets on their opponents.
This way, you either profit or reduce losses no matter the outcome.
Futures betting on college football can be exciting and potentially rewarding, but it requires patience and strategy.
By evaluating teams throughout the season and managing your bankroll effectively, you’ll give yourself the best chance of success.
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^ Top^ TopWeek 10 Ratings and Rankings!
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Ohio state still rated #1, and BYU is up to #5 in Record-Adjusted! Miami now has the best offense and Tennessee has the best defense. pic.twitter.com/dWOwoicZZt
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Who Will Reign Supreme? 2024 College Football National Championship Odds Revealed!
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Texas Longhorns | +380 |
| Ohio State Buckeyes | +440 |
| Georgia Bulldogs | +450 |
| Oregon Ducks | +570 |
| Alabama Crimson Tide | +870 |
| Penn State Nittany Lions | +1425 |
| Clemson Tigers | +1925 |
| Miami (FL) Hurricanes | +2100 |
| Tennessee Volunteers | +2100 |
| Ole Miss Rebels | +3400 |
| LSU Tigers | +4000 |
| Notre Dame Fighting Irish | +4200 |
| Texas A&M Aggies | +5200 |
| Missouri Tigers | +10000 |
| Iowa State Cyclones | +10000 |
| Kansas State Wildcats | +12000 |
| Indiana Hoosiers | +16000 |
| Boise State Broncos | +18000 |
| USC Trojans | +24000 |
| Oklahoma Sooners | +26000 |
| SMU Mustangs | +28000 |
| Louisville Cardinals | +30000 |
| Nebraska Cornhuskers | +30000 |
| Utah Utes | +30000 |
| BYU Cougars | +32000 |
| Pittsburgh Panthers | +32000 |
| Michigan Wolverines | +34000 |
| Iowa Hawkeyes | +40000 |
| Texas Tech Red Raiders | +42000 |
| Colorado Buffaloes | +44000 |
| Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets | +50000 |
| West Virginia Mountaineers | +50000 |
| Illinois Fighting Illini | +50000 |
| Northern Illinois Huskies | +50000 |
| Arkansas Razorbacks | +50000 |
| Washington State Cougars | +55000 |
| Kentucky Wildcats | +55000 |
| South Carolina Gamecocks | +60000 |
| Arizona State Sun Devils | +60000 |
| UNLV Rebels | +70000 |
| Army Black Knights | +70000 |
| TCU Horned Frogs | +75000 |
| Maryland Terrapins | +75000 |
| UCF Knights | +75000 |
| Navy Midshipmen | +75000 |
| Oklahoma State Cowboys | +75000 |
| Memphis Tigers | +75000 |
| Washington Huskies | +75000 |
| Syracuse Orange | +80000 |
| Wisconsin Badgers | +80000 |
| Tulane Green Wave | +80000 |
| Boston College Eagles | +80000 |
| Arizona Wildcats | +80000 |
| Minnesota Golden Gophers | +90000 |
| Florida State Seminoles | +90000 |
| Vanderbilt Commodores | +95000 |
| Cincinnati Bearcats | +95000 |
| North Carolina Tar Heels | +100000 |
| Toledo Rockets | +100000 |
| California Golden Bears | +100000 |
| Auburn Tigers | +100000 |
| Duke Blue Devils | +100000 |
| San Jose State Spartans | +100000 |
| Wake Forest Demon Deacons | +100000 |
| UCLA Bruins | +100000 |
| Purdue Boilermakers | +100000 |
| Oregon State Beavers | +100000 |
| Mississippi State Bulldogs | +100000 |
| Northwestern Wildcats | +100000 |
| Kansas Jayhawks | +100000 |
| Michigan State Spartans | +100000 |
| Eastern Michigan Eagles | +100000 |
| Baylor Bears | +100000 |
| Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns | +100000 |
| Stanford Cardinal | +100000 |
| North Carolina State Wolfpack | +100000 |
| Florida Gators | +100000 |
| Coastal Carolina Chanticleers | +100000 |
| Texas State Bobcats | +100000 |
| Rest of the Field | +200000 or higher |
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Who Will Win the College Football National Championship? Let’s Find Out
Predicting the College Football National Champion is a complex task, as many factors can influence the outcome.
However, based on current trends and expert analysis, here are some teams that could contend for the title:
- Georgia Bulldogs:
As defending champions, Georgia has a strong foundation and a talented roster. - Michigan Wolverines:
A consistent powerhouse, Michigan has the potential to make a deep playoff run. - Alabama Crimson Tide:
Despite recent setbacks, Alabama always remains a threat. - Ohio State Buckeyes:
A high-powered offense and strong defense make Ohio State a dangerous team.
For the latest odds, expert analysis, and breaking news, check out our College Football section.
Remember, college football is unpredictable, and any team can have a breakout season.
Stay tuned for the latest updates and make informed betting decisions.
I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?
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2016 College Football Playoff Expert Betting Picks
Previous Betting News
Being labeled as a betting favorite in whichever sport comes with its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, and the positive hand for that matter; it motivates players and teams to do well and prove that they indeed deserved to be placed as favorites. On the negative hand, it comes with a lot of expectations, which can easily put undue pressure on teams and players hence leading to mess-ups. For the 2016 college football championship favorites mentioned in this article, that’s the position they will find themselves in.
Which favored team offers the best chance to overcome the obstacles in the 2016 NCAA Football lines and stand tallest in the end with the FBS National Championship? Read on to find out what our handicapper has to say ahead of the new college football season.
Here’s a Look at the 2016 College Football Playoff Expert Betting Picks
Ohio State Buckeyes
With J.T. Barrett leading Ohio State as an experienced QB and the Buckeyes having a squad that is absolutely loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, the Buckeyes have all the ingredients needed for them to succeed in the watered-down Big Ten Conference that is expected to feature relatively easier competition compared to the past couple of years. On paper, the games against Wisconsin, Penn State, Maryland and Michigan State stand as Ohio’ State’s toughest games of the year; tilts that Urban Meyer’s boys should be more than capable of acing en route to the playoffs as Big Ten representatives.
Alabama Buckeyes
Every year, we get to hear the same talks about Alabama’s lack at QB, or RB, or somewhere else, and every year Nick Saban proves that he is the best in the business by finding his next-man-up, so 2016 shouldn’t be an exception. Bama has won an FBS-best four national championships over the past national championships, including last year’s thrilling win over a Clemson team that entered the finals with an undefeated record from the entire season. Replacing Heisman Trophy winner RB Derrick Henry and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart won’t be easy, but with 12 returning starters, the No.1 recruiting class in the nation and the firm hand of Saban to guide the team; locking the Crimson Tide as solid national championship favorite is well worth the price right now.
Clemson Tigers
If the Tigers were able to make a loss-less run until the Championship game last season with QB Deshaun Watson being rather inexperienced at the time, imagine what they can do now that he is more experienced and returns with some of the best pieces in the country supporting him in the offense. Just about the only concerns are that Clemson will be playing a deadly title-contender in Florida State and will also need to make some replacements in the defense that lost some talents in the offseason. Even so, every team has its fair share of talent loss to deal with and some tough opponent to play; meaning Clemson should warrant as much trust as any other favorite in its quest for a second straight appearance in the National Championship game.
Stanford Cardinal
Like Alabama in the SEC, the Cardinal has been the class of the Pac-12 Conference, winning three of the last four Pac-12 titles– including last season’s conference championship when they recovered from a season-opening loss and ran down everyone en route to a Rose Bowl blowout win over Iowa. Replacing quarterback Kevin Hogan will be a tough ask, but whoever gets the job shouldn’t have much of a problem in the offense as he will inherit some solid talents, none more important than 2015 Heisman Trophy runner-up Christian McCaffrey– the player who led the nation in all-purpose yards last season. Meanwhile, the Cardinal should remain solid in defense, giving the team a much-needed balance and motivation to challenge for a first-ever playoffs appearance.
My Final Remarks and My 2016 College Football Championship Predictions
Oklahoma and USC deserve to be mentioned here, and I wouldn’t actually be surprised if any of them made the NCAAF Championship Game. As things stand currently, though, both teams have very brutal schedules, with OU going against the likes of Texas, TCU and Baylor in the Big 12 while USC faces powerhouses like Stanford, Utah, Arizona, Washington and UCLA, California and Oregon in the Pac-12, making their path to the playoffs more uncertain. Picking either of them right now is therefore a big risk.
In regards to the favorites analyzed above, Ohio State looks like the most complete team, making them my early pick to win it all. Whether they will get to deliver or not is something that remains to be seen.
My 2016-17 College Football Championship Winning Pick: Ohio State
