College Football Futures: To Make Playoffs Picks & Predictions (2024)
We are six weeks into the 2024 college football season. No one has secured a spot in the College Football Playoff. But a handful of teams control their fate and will make it in as long as they keep winning. At least, their odds are so short there is no point in betting on them to do so (i.e. Texas, Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, etc.).
DraftKings Sportsbook currently has 10 teams listed with minus odds. But I don’t see any point in betting on these teams; they have no value. No, if I’m going to bet on a team, they will need at least +100 odds. Since all the teams with minus odds will probably not make it, here are six I’m considering betting on.
These teams will be undefeated or with no more than one loss, but they still have a brand game or two on the schedule that will help them earn their spot. With 12 teams making the CFP, it would not be shocking to see a two-loss team make it.
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College Football Futures: To Make Playoffs Picks & Predictions (2024)
(Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Tennessee (+100)
Losing to Arkansas throws a wrench in the plan, but it could be that the Razorbacks are not quite getting the respect they deserve. They have two resume-building games on deck: Georgia and Alabama. Both will probably be one-loss teams ranked inside the Top 10. A win over both would probably put them in the SEC title game, meaning they’d have a great chance to make it.
But even if they lose one, as long as they don’t get blown out, they might remain in the conversation for the 11th or 12th pick.
Iowa State (+180)/BYU (+1200)
One of these two teams will win the Big 12, guaranteeing them a spot in the CFP. Right now, Iowa State has the shortest odds to win the conference. As long as they win the games they should win, they’ll probably be able to lose one of their final two games (vs. Utah and Kansas State) and still make the title game.
BYU has already beaten two of the best teams in the Big 12 (SMU and Kansas State). It would not be shocking if they were to run the table and face Iowa State in the Big 12 title game. The loser will still have an outside shot of making the CFP.
Indiana (+350)
I know this is an unusual pick, but have you watched these guys play? They are undefeated and scoring more points per game than Ohio State. With the Buckeyes and Wolverines on their schedule, a win over both (while shocking) would put them in the CFP. A win over one will keep them in the conversation.
Can they beat either team? My gut says probably not, but they are scoring a ton of points …
Army (+2000)/Navy (+3000)
A service academy has not been in the national championship conversation since … that’s a good question. Can anyone remember the last time either was in the conversation (without looking it up online)? Both are playing great football this season; Navy has even developed a little passing game (117th in the country).
When they meet in December, one may be undefeated and the winner of the AAC. Since the highest-ranked Group of Five conference winner gets an automatic bid, one will qualify.
I know neither is ranked. However, the CFP committee will correct this travesty in the first rankings.