NFL division winner markets offer bettors an early opportunity to identify teams positioned to control their respective divisions before the season begins. With the 2026 NFL season approaching, we asked our analysts to share their favorite 2026 NFL Division Winners bets.
Here are their top expert picks, along with the reasoning behind each wager and the value they see in the current futures market. Check out our Featured Pros' top 2026 NFL Division Winners picks and predictions.
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2026 NFL Division Winners
Find consensus odds for NFL futures markets on BettingPros’ NFL Team Futures page.
What is your favorite NFL Futures Division Winners Bet for the 2026 NFL season?
New Orleans Saints (+280)
“The Saints still stand as a solid bet to take the NFC South (+280). They have the second-easiest schedule this season by projected win totals. They closed last season on fire with a 4-1 record while posting 24.8 points per game. Tyler Shough can take another step in 2026 and lead the Saints back to the top of the NFC South heap.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
“With the NFC South wide open, any one of the four squads has a chance to win this division. However, the New Orleans Saints are a very appealing choice. The Saints made strides in 2025 with Tyler Shough’s emergence, and the team will be counting on him to take that next step in 2026. New Orleans also acquired several key pieces that could help them take that next step by drafting Jordyn Tyson in Round 1 and signing Travis Etienne with David Edwards on long-term deals to help their growing offense. If all things click in year two of the Kellen Moore/Tyler Shough era in New Orleans, this team does have what it takes to win the NFC South in 2026.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Buffalo Bills (-125)
“It’s a chalk pick, but when it comes to picking division winners, going with the chalk is usually a good strategy. The Bills added veteran WR D.J. Moore and EDGE Bradley Chubb in the offseason. Both should help Buffalo with their needs on and off the playing field. The only realistic division threat is New England. However, while the Patriots added WR A.J. Brown, questions remain on whether they can protect QB Drake Maye. And I don’t see how they stop Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense. I expect the Patriots to take a step back this year. The Jets and Dolphins have virtually no shot at the AFC East, so this is pretty much a two-horse race, and my money is on Josh Allen and the Bills’ high-octane offense.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Tennessee Titans (+850)
“In a typical NFL season, we should expect at least one team to go from worst to first in its division. In fact, since the 2002 realignment, only three times has at least one last-place team NOT finished first in the division the following year. After we had zero worst-to-first teams in 2024 (the Commanders came close), two teams made the massive turnaround (the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots). Therefore, I’m willing to take the Titans at +850 to win the AFC South. Cam Ward is in a prime position to take a second-year leap under a new coaching staff. Tennessee’s defense has also been totally revamped and should see significant improvement under Robert Saleh.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Minnesota Vikings (+510)
“I like the price on Minnesota (+510, DraftKings). The NFC North is wide open this year, and the Vikings have the longest odds in the division. The Vikings ranked third in the league in defensive DVOA last year and eighth in special teams DVOA. The offense was a mess, largely because of subpar quarterbacking, but Kyler Murray should be able to stabilize the Minnesota passing game and leverage the talents of WRs Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores are highly regarded tacticians. The Vikings could absolutely win their division, and they’re a bargain at odds north of 5-1.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Chicago Bears (+325)
“My favorite futures value on the board for the 2026 season is the Chicago Bears to win the NFC North at +325 odds, which can currently be found at DraftKings (+305), BetMGM (+310), and FanDuel (+320) against a +320 market consensus. While the public anchors to the loss of DJ Moore, the scheme of Ben Johnson’s offense is poised to take a massive leap forward around Caleb Williams, who has solidified himself as the best quarterback in the division. The passing game is primed to explode behind sophomore wideout Luther Burden alongside Rome Odunze, while the heavy presence of tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet will allow them to dictate matchups out of highly dynamic 12 personnel looks. Defensively, the unit significantly upgraded its identity by pairing veteran Devin Bush and Coby Bryant with high-upside rookies Dillon Thieneman. With the rest of the division stagnant, backing the most talented quarterback and the best offense in the NFC North at +325 provides massive closing line value.”
– Lawrence Iacona (The Architect’s War Room)
Cincinnati Bengals (+194)
“Cincinnati Bengals to win the AFC North at +194. With a healthy Joe Burrow back under center, Cincinnati is well-positioned to capitalize on an AFC North that has seen significant coaching turnover, including new head coaches in both Baltimore and Pittsburgh. If the Bengals’ defense takes even a modest step forward, I think this is the year they reclaim the division. At nearly 2-to-1 odds, there’s excellent value on Cincinnati to finish on top.”
– Judy Adabie (Fan Girl Football)
