🔥 Best Bets for the 2025–26 NFL Season
Training camps are just weeks away, and with odds posted across the board, now’s the time to lock in the value. Here are the smartest outright bets ahead of the 2025/26 NFL season.
🏆 AFC East Winner – Best Value: New England Patriots (9/2)
The Buffalo Bills are heavy favourites at 1/3, but the value lies with the New England Patriots at 9/2. Mike Vrabel brings toughness, leadership, and Super Bowl pedigree. The defence looks rejuvenated and Stefon Diggs adds star power on offence. With Drake Maye under centre and upgrades on the O-line, New England could surprise everyone.
✅ Verdict: Excellent value with a revitalised franchise on the rise.
💪 AFC North Winner – Best Bet: Baltimore Ravens (8/13)
Not the most exciting price, but this is the most reliable team in a volatile division. The Ravens retained their core and avoided major injuries last season. Lamar Jackson leads an elite offence, and their defence is one of the toughest in the league.
💡 Smart Pick: Use Baltimore as a solid parlay anchor.
🚫 Team to Avoid: Pittsburgh Steelers (9/2)
Yes, they signed Aaron Rodgers — but this isn’t 2015. At 41 and coming off a disastrous stint in New York, the Steelers’ hopes rest on a quarterback with more questions than answers. The O-line is brittle, the playmakers are thin, and Arthur Smith’s system doesn’t scream success for Rodgers. This is not worth the price.
⚠️ Recommendation: Avoid. Massive downside risk with limited upside.
🏈 AFC Championship Winner – Best Bet: Kansas City Chiefs (7/2)
Don’t overthink it. Patrick Mahomes. Andy Reid. A Super Bowl-ready roster. While others like Buffalo and Baltimore are priced shorter, the Chiefs are still the team to beat. The odds are generous considering the consistency and play-off pedigree.
📈 Value Rating: 9/10
🦅 NFC Championship Winner – Best Bet: Philadelphia Eagles (7/2)
The Eagles made all the right moves. They retained key players, added Saquon Barkley, and survived attempts to outlaw the tush push. With Hurts healthy and a dominant O-line, they’re the team to beat in a weaker NFC.
🏆 Favourite for a reason: Elite on both sides of the ball.
📉 NFC Fader: San Francisco 49ers (8/1)
This price does not reflect their offseason losses: Deebo Samuel, Hufanga, Hargrave, Greenlaw, and more. The Niners are in rebuild mode and could start slowly despite Purdy’s new contract and a decent draft. Wait for a better live price — or fade entirely.
🚫 Not worth the gamble at single digits.
🟨 Division Longshots Worth a Punt
- Green Bay Packers (9/1) – NFC Championship Winner: Young QB with momentum. If they get hot, they could go deep. Decent each-way shout.
- Cleveland Browns (25/1) – AFC North Winner: Strong D, solid run game, and a wild card mentality. Price is far too big for their upside.
📊 Summary Table
| Category | Team | Odds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Value Division Winner | New England Patriots | 9/2 | Vrabel-led bounce back potential |
| Safe Parlay Anchor | Baltimore Ravens | 8/13 | Rock-solid across the board |
| AFC Champion | Kansas City Chiefs | 7/2 | Still the team to beat |
| NFC Champion | Philadelphia Eagles | 7/2 | Depth, Barkley and the tush push |
| Overhyped Pick | Pittsburgh Steelers | 9/2 | Too much faith in Rodgers |
| Longshot Flyer | Cleveland Browns | 25/1 | Dark horse with a nasty defence |
Odds correct as of June 26th, 2025. Always gamble responsibly.
