NFL 2026/2027 Outright Predictions

The new NFL season is finally back, and outright betting offers a way to assess each team's prospects for 2026. In this article, we break down some of the most interesting long-term markets, from AFC and NFC winners to individual awards and statistical props.

NFL 2026/2027 Regular-Season Outright Odds

AFC

NFC

Scores24 NFL 2026/2027 Regular-Season Outright Predictions

Kansas City Chiefs Over 9.5 Regular-Season Wins

Odds: 1.61

After a disastrous 6-11 season and their first playoff miss in a long time, the Chiefs look like a strong bounce-back candidate. We are not talking about another 14-win season just yet. The biggest factor that could make this bet land is Patrick Mahomes. If he recovers from his injury in time, Kansas City could even secure a playoff spot ahead of schedule. The offseason recruitment was also aimed at improving the running game and the offense as a whole.

Going into the new season, the Chiefs look much stronger than last year's six-win team, although a lot will depend on Mahomes' health and the changes on offense. If even one of those factors works in their favor, the 2023 and 2024 champions should be capable of reaching 10 wins.

A slightly safer Kansas City option is to make the playoffs at 1.50. No AFC team with fewer than 10 wins has reached the postseason in the last three seasons, but this still looks like a reasonable backup option.

Detroit Lions Over 10.5 Regular-Season Wins

Odds: 1.77

Detroit's disappointing campaign last season was linked to injuries and inconsistent defensive play. From the very start of the new season, the Lions need to collect the wins many analysts expect from them. Sharp Football Analysis even rates Detroit's schedule as one of the easiest and most favorable in the league, with the Lions set to spend much of the regular season facing teams outside the group of leading contenders. We are not expecting Detroit to dominate, but we do expect a playoff place, and 11 wins look achievable against comparable opponents.

The offensive potential is impressive, as is the current state of a roster that, for now, has largely avoided injuries. No team is protected from the kind of bad luck Detroit experienced last year, and key safeties Joseph and Branch will miss the opening games while on the PUP list. Even with those absences and the possibility of a few surprises, the Lions still look like a solid candidate to reach 11 wins. A safer alternative is Detroit to make the playoffs at 1.48 in case they fall one or two victories short.

Chicago Bears Under 10.5 Regular-Season Wins

Odds: 1.45

We are not trying to argue that Chicago is heading for a complete collapse. The key point is simply that this bet wins if the Bears fail to repeat last season's 11 victories. Based on yards and points allowed, where Chicago did not even rank inside the top 10, there is a case that the 2025 campaign represented a major overperformance.

Unlike Detroit, the Bears also face one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, with last season's combined opponent win percentage sitting at .550. Those 11 wins came in a less competitive environment and with relatively few major losses. If Chicago repeats its impressive 2025 numbers, we will applaud them, but right now there are more arguments against that outcome. A slightly riskier alternative is the Bears to miss the playoffs at 1.77. A 10-7 record should be enough to reach the postseason, while 9-8 probably will not.

Comeback Player of the Year – Patrick Mahomes

Odds: 2.90

Mahomes is the most obvious candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. The Chiefs quarterback returns from a serious injury motivated to put Kansas City back among the league's elite. He is still rated as an exceptionally high-level player, and according to NFL Network, Patrick is expected to return as early as Week 1.

If he produces even solid rather than spectacular numbers and Kansas City returns to the playoffs, there should be little doubt about his Comeback Player of the Year case. It is also worth remembering the pressure surrounding NFL award voting: all else being equal, Mahomes' profile will always carry extra weight.

Most Sacks – Myles Garrett

Odds: 3.50

Backing the Los Angeles Rams newcomer to lead the league in sacks means supporting a player who set a single-season record with 23 sacks last year. The most consistent pass rusher of the past decade does not need to repeat that record, although a move to a new team can always change the picture. Garrett could stay around his usual 14-16 sacks and still win the market.

AFC Winner – Buffalo Bills

Odds: 6.10

In short, Buffalo enters the season with an elite quarterback in Josh Allen, a strong running game and a proven coaching staff. One of the most important arguments in favor of the Bills is the arrival of DJ Moore on offense. Alongside Allen, analysts expect him to help improve the passing game and give the quarterback more freedom.

Of course, a bet at 6.10 comes with huge risk. The competition in the AFC is fascinating for viewers and extremely difficult for bettors. That is why we see Buffalo to win the AFC East at 1.73 as a worthy alternative.

NFC Winner – Los Angeles Rams

Odds: 3.82

The favorite is a little easier to identify in the NFC. Last season's conference finalists won 12 regular-season games, and it looks like they should be capable of reaching that mark again. The main argument is that an already strong roster has become even stronger.

Myles Garrett, mentioned above, can strengthen the defense, while Aaron Donald's return after a two-year break could take the Los Angeles unit to another level. The key theme of the offseason was not only investment in defense, but also balance with an offense that should continue to feature MVP Matthew Stafford and the exceptionally talented Puka Nacua. For a slightly safer option, consider the Rams to win the NFC West at 1.90.

You can follow results, current data and odds in our National Football League section.

*Odds are approximate, may vary between sportsbooks and are current at the time of publication.