Staff Writer

The 7 best NFL futures bets to make before Week 1

There’s no better time than the preseason to put your money where your mouth is and wager on your takes for the 2024 NFL season.

The latest: Which team will win the Super Bowl and who will go home with hardware? I’ll share my thoughts on all that and more below.

Check out my seven best NFL futures bets to make before the season starts.

NFL futures bets

Go to full NFL betting markets.

Eagles to win the Super Bowl (+1,200): Spoiler alert: The Philadelphia Eagles are winning it all in 2024.

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This roster is absolutely loaded. General manager Howie Roseman was busy addressing this team’s weaknesses in the offseason. The secondary fell apart down the stretch, but that unit looks much better now.

Philadelphia poached C.J. Gardner-Johnson from the Detroit Lions and he’ll make a difference at safety.

There’s plenty of competition at cornerback, too, as the Eagles used their first-round pick on Quinyon Mitchell and the 40th overall selection on Cooper DeJean.

The offence was stacked already with Jalen Hurts under centre and A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith at wide receiver, but it has a completely different element with Saquon Barkley at running back.

It’s hard to poke any holes in this roster. Even though this line continues to shorten, I’m still buying Philadelphia at this number.

Conference championship picks

Eagles to win the NFC (+600): I’m doubling down on Philadelphia.

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It’s easy to forget that this team is only one year removed from a Super Bowl appearance. Yes, the Eagles struggled down the stretch but there’s no reason why their odds should be longer than the Lions (+550) and more than twice as long as the San Francisco 49ers (+250).

The latter is especially puzzling considering their offseason. San Francisco has lost key defensive linemen in Chase Young, Randy Gregory, Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw.

Additionally, Brandon Aiyuk’s status is anything but certain while All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams continues to hold out.

Falcons to win the NFC (+1,300): I’m drinking the Atlanta Falcons Kool-Aid.

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There’s no ignoring the fact that this team has had some of the worst quarterback play and coaching in the NFL.

Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke are as bad as it gets and having Arthur Smith at the helm didn’t help anybody.

Despite these issues, the Falcons managed to remain competitive in the division. Now, they’re primed for a breakout campaign.

Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. represent significant upgrades. Cousins will serve as the starter but Penix is one of the best backup options in the league.

The roster has talent on both sides of the ball and should win a lacklustre NFC South as it stares down the easiest schedule in the league, according to Sharp Football.

NFL futures bets: Top MVP picks

Josh Allen to win MVP (+900): Allen has knocked on the MVP door several times but this is his best opportunity to win the award.

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The Buffalo Bills quarterback has finished second, third and fifth in voting over the last four seasons. He’s consistently one of the league’s top talents but has yet to claim the honour.

The reason why this year serves as his greatest chance to win the award is because of the roster around him.

Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis are gone, leaving Curtis Samuel, Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir as his top wide receivers.

It’s a downgraded receiver room and Allen will receive plenty of credit if he’s able to prop it up.

The defence is also depleted with starters Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde and Tre’Davious White gone and Matt Milano out with a torn bicep.

Allen will receive plenty of MVP buzz and be a frontrunner for this award if he can lead Buffalo to a fifth consecutive AFC East title.

Hurts to win MVP (+1,400): Like Allen, Hurts is going to fill the stat sheet and finish the year with some gaudy numbers.

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The Eagles QB threw for 3,858 yards and 23 touchdowns last season and added 605 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. All of those except for his rushing yards total were new single-season bests.

This offence is poised to be better than ever, too. Barkley and new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore are significant upgrades to the unit.

I have high expectations for Philadelphia in 2024. Hurts will certainly be an MVP contender if his team is among the best in the NFL.

Best NFL futures bets: Offensive Player of the Year

CeeDee Lamb to win OPOTY (+1,000): Lamb’s odds are lengthening slightly because of his contract holdout.

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I doubt his impasse with the Dallas Cowboys leaks into the regular season which is why I’m happy to wager on him at 10-to-1.

Lamb finished third in voting for this award a season ago. A slow start dampened his totals but he was exceptional from Week 6 onward.

The All-Pro caught 108 of his 146 targets for 1,391 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his final 12 games. That was a seismic jump from 27 receptions, 358 receiving yards and one touchdown through the first five weeks.

The Cowboys’ offensive plans still revolve around the passing attack. Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle lead one of the league’s most underwhelming running back rooms, which means Dak Prescott is going to drop back a ton.

Lamb should be busy once again with a similar group of receivers returning for 2024.

Ja’Marr Chase to win OPOTY (+1,000): Chase is also waiting for a new contract but he’s in a great spot for 2024, too.

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A healthy Joe Burrow is the key to this wager. The Cincinnati Bengals QB appears ready to go after missing seven games last year due to injury.

There are also plenty of available targets in this offence. The losses of Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon have freed up the fourth-most targets in the league (259).

Chase had a strong 2023 campaign despite being without his long-time running mate. He set new career highs in targets (145) and receptions (100).

His yards and touchdowns understandably didn’t follow suit as the offence’s efficiency tapered with Burrow sidelined.

Expect Chase to reach new heights with Burrow back and the superstar talent entering his age-24 campaign.

Picks made as of 4:03 p.m. on 08/15/2024.

Casper Ruud vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime Cincinnati Open odds and best bet: Fade Canadian in tight matchup

Felix Auger-Aliassime faces a stiff test in Casper Ruud at the Cincinnati Open.

The pregame narrative: Auger-Aliassime hasn’t shown yet that he’s ready for the rigours of the hardcourt. A date against Ruud, who has shown well on this surface, makes it difficult to back Auger-Aliassime as the favourite. I’m backing the underdog in what should be a tough contest.

Check out our Ruud vs. Auger-Aliassime odds and best bet for their Cincinnati Open match on Aug. 15.

Ruud vs. Auger-Aliassime Cincinnati Open odds

Go to full Ruud vs. Auger-Aliassime betting markets.

Best Bet: Ruud to win (+132)

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This will be the second meeting this month between Ruud and Auger-Aliassime.

These two recently met at the Olympics and Auger-Aliassime won a three-set thriller.

It marked the second time this year that Auger-Aliassime beat Ruud. Typically, that record alone should be enough to expect a similar result the third time.

But both of Auger-Aliassime’s victories over Ruud occurred on clay.

The two competitors are solid on the red dirt which makes FAA’s wins impressive, but this match is on the hardcourt and that’s a surface that certainly favours Ruud.

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Auger-Aliassime has struggled on the hardcourts in 2024. He enters this match with a losing record (5-6) and hasn’t beaten anybody of note on the surface.

Ruud, the No. 8 player in the world, is no pushover on the hardcourts. He’s 19-5 this year and has beaten top competitors like Holger Rune and Stefanos Tsitsipas on the surface.

Auger-Aliassime and Ruud are fairly equal competitors but Ruud has certainly been better in pivotal moments. The Norwegian tennis star ranks eighth in under pressure rating (233.6) on this surface while Auger-Aliassime places 38th (204.0).

Expect Ruud to be the more opportune player and outlast Auger-Aliassime in what should be a close matchup.

Key stat: Ruud ranks third among all players in break points saved on the hardcourts this year (71.9%) while Auger-Aliassime sits 58th (57.8%).

Picks made at 1:04 p.m. ET on 08/15/2024.

MLB parlay picks Aug. 15: Bet on Wheeler, Phillies to beat Nationals in +275 ticket

Two moneyline favourites and an over comprise Thursday’s MLB parlay picks.

The pregame narrative: The Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants have strong arms on the mound, but the total is low and they can top a teased-down number. Elsewhere, I’m betting on the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies to score victories to round out this ticket.

Check out the best MLB parlay picks for Tuesday, August 15.

MLB parlay picks

Parlay: Braves vs. Giants over 6.5 runs + Phillies moneyline + Twins moneyline (+275)

Braves vs. Giants over 6.5 runs (-209): This certainly seems like a pitcher’s duel on paper.

Max Fried and Logan Webb square off and both own solid numbers this season. Fried pairs a 3.56 ERA with a 3.59 FIP while Webb boasts a 3.32 ERA and a 2.86 FIP.

The former, however, has struggled ahead of this contest. He has a 6.64 ERA and a 5.10 FIP over his last four starts while opponents have knocked him around to the tune of an .871 OPS.

The over on this total has cashed in three of his last four outings.

Both offences are capable of scoring, too. San Francisco is 15th in runs per game (4.35) while Atlanta is 16th (4.34).

These two squads have exceeded this total in their last two games.

Other parlay picks

Twins moneyline (-112): I like how this matchup sets up for Minnesota.

The Texas Rangers send Cody Bradford to the mound and the lefty is having a strong season. He combines a 3.60 ERA with a 3.24 FIP and the Rangers are 5-1 in his outings.

There’s one tiny problem, however, that I expect to work against Texas.

Minnesota hits southpaws well. The Twins have the ninth-best OPS against left-handed pitching (.754) this season.

They also send their best arm, Bailey Ober, to the mound. Ober owns a 3.52 ERA and 3.68 FIP this season and he’s having one of his best stretches of the campaign.

Ober has only allowed four runs over his last four starts (28.0 IP) and the team has won each contest.

Phillies moneyline (-286): Philadelphia is a big favourite against the Washington Nationals and for good reason.

Zack Wheeler takes the bump and he’s been stellar. The righty has a 2.78 ERA and 3.41 FIP this season.

He’s been especially dominant since the calendar flipped to August. He boasts a 1.29 ERA and 2.32 FIP and has struck out 17 batters across 14 innings.

The Nats are rolling with rookie Mitchell Parker who’s having a solid freshman campaign. His 3.83 ERA and 3.96 FIP are good numbers, but unlike Wheeler, he’ll have to face one of the best lineups in baseball tonight.

Philadelphia is seventh in runs per game (4.84) while Washington is 17th (4.28).

The Phillies have dominated this matchup in 2024, winning five of their six meetings with the Nationals.

Picks made at 10:56 a.m. on 08/15/24.

MLB parlay picks Aug. 15: Bet on Wheeler, Phillies to beat Nationals in +317 ticket

Two moneyline favourites and an over comprise Thursday’s MLB parlay picks.

The pregame narrative: The Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants have strong arms on the mound, but the total is low and they can top a teased-down number. Elsewhere, I’m betting on the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies to score victories to round out this ticket.

Check out the best MLB parlay picks for Tuesday, August 15.

MLB parlay picks

Go to full MLB betting markets.

Parlay: Braves vs. Giants over 6.5 runs + Phillies moneyline + Twins moneyline (+317)

Braves vs. Giants over 6.5 runs (-152): This certainly seems like a pitcher’s duel on paper.

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Max Fried and Logan Webb square off and both own solid numbers this season. Fried pairs a 3.56 ERA with a 3.59 FIP while Webb boasts a 3.32 ERA and a 2.86 FIP.

The former, however, has struggled ahead of this contest. He has a 6.64 ERA and a 5.10 FIP over his last four starts while opponents have knocked him around to the tune of an .871 OPS.

The over on this total has cashed in three of his last four outings.

Both offences are capable of scoring, too. San Francisco is 15th in runs per game (4.35) while Atlanta is 16th (4.34).

These two squads have exceeded this total in their last two games.

Other parlay picks

Twins moneyline (-117): I like how this matchup sets up for Minnesota.

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The Texas Rangers send Chad Bradford to the mound and the lefty is having a strong season. He combines a 3.60 ERA with a 3.24 FIP and the Rangers are 5-1 in his outings.

There’s one tiny problem, however, that I expect to work against Texas.

Minnesota hits southpaws well. The Twins have the ninth-best OPS against left-handed pitching (.754) this season.

They also send their best arm, Bailey Ober, to the mound. Ober owns a 3.52 ERA and 3.68 FIP this season and he’s having one of his best stretches of the campaign.

Ober has only allowed four runs over his last four starts (28.0 IP) and the team has won each contest.

Phillies moneyline (-286): Philadelphia is a big favourite against the Washington Nationals and for good reason.

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Zack Wheeler takes the bump and he’s been stellar. The righty has a 2.78 ERA and 3.41 FIP this season.

He’s been especially dominant since the calendar flipped to August. He boasts a 1.29 ERA and 2.32 FIP and has struck out 17 batters across 14 innings.

The Nats are rolling with rookie Mitchell Parker who’s having a solid freshman campaign. His 3.83 ERA and 3.96 FIP are good numbers, but unlike Wheeler, he’ll have to face one of the best lineups in baseball tonight.

Philadelphia is seventh in runs per game (4.84) while Washington is 17th (4.28).

The Phillies have dominated this matchup in 2024, winning five of their six meetings with the Nationals.

Picks made at 10:23 a.m. on 08/15/24.

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Aug. 15 MLB odds, schedule and matchups: Red Sox, Orioles clash in AL East showdown

It’s a small, seven-game MLB slate on Thursday but there’s still plenty of intriguing baseball action coming your way.

The latest: Two division leaders battle as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers wrap up their four-game series. Out in the American League, the Baltimore Orioles host the Boston Red Sox in a marquee matchup.

Check out the latest MLB odds for Thursday, Aug. 15.

MLB odds: Aug. 15

Visit all of NorthStar Bets’ MLB markets. Click on game odds below to bet now.

Seattle Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers

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Oakland Athletics vs. New York Mets

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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers

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Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants

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Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles

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Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies

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Minnesota Twins vs. Texas Rangers

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Betting insights

Milwaukee is hoping to earn a split in its four-game series with Los Angeles after winning, 5-4, last night. The Brewers send Tobias Myers (2.79 ERA) to the mound and the Dodgers counter with Jack Flaherty (2.97 ERA).

The San Francisco Giants started its series against Atlanta just 1.5 games back of the final NL wild-card spot. That gap has ballooned to 4.5 games as the Braves go for the four-game sweep. Max Fried (3.56 ERA) gets the ball for the Braves while Logan Webb (3.32 ERA) goes for the Giants.

The Orioles can tie the Yankees for first in the AL East with a win over the Red Sox. Boston, meanwhile, is fighting to keep pace in the AL wild-card race as it currently sits two games back. Nick Pivetta (4.44 ERA) will do battle with Zach Eflin (3.83 ERA).

Atlanta is six games back of the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies, who are sending ace Zack Wheeler to the mound in a matchup with the Washington Nationals. The Phillies are the biggest betting favourite of the day.

MLB parlay picks Aug. 14: Bet on Mets to beat A’s in +270 ticket

A little bit of everything finds its way onto this parlay that features an over, an under and a moneyline.

The pregame narrative: The Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants are competent offensive sides and should top a modest total. A lower-scoring game is likely in the cards when the Toronto Blue Jays visit the Los Angeles Angels. I’m also expecting the New York Mets to blow past the Oakland Athletics.

Check out the best MLB parlay picks for Tuesday, August 14.

MLB parlay picks

Parlay: Braves/Giants over 6.5 runs + Blue Jays/Angels under 9.5 runs + Mets ML (+270)

Braves vs. Giants over 6.5 runs (-209): There are a couple of reasons why the over on this total intrigues me.

Firstly, I’m not really sold on either starter. Grant Holmes gets the ball for Atlanta and now that he’s eating more innings for the squad, his numbers are rising pretty significantly.

After pitching three-plus innings in three of his first eight appearances of the season, he’s done so in each of his last five outings and the results aren’t great.

Holmes owns a 6.00 ERA during this stretch while the over on this number has cashed each time.

Robbie Ray starts for San Francisco and his 3.98 ERA masks an underwhelming 5.24 FIP.

Even still, the over on this number has cashed in three of his four appearances this year.

Both offences are capable of topping this lowly number. The Braves rank 13th in OPS this season (.710) and the Giants aren’t far behind in 15th (.707).

Other picks

Blue Jays vs. Angels under 9.5 runs (-163): Tyler Anderson and Jose Berrios have one thing in common: They’ve both been lucky this season.

Anderson owns a 2.99 ERA but his 4.39 FIP is significantly worse. Berrios’ 3.97 ERA and 5.15 FIP illustrate the same.

But who says the luck has to run out tonight?

Both benefit from seeing some of the league’s worst offences. Toronto’s an underwhelming 21st in OPS (.694) while Los Angeles is even worse (.684), ranking 24th in MLB.

Even if both experience a correction of sorts, this is still a high enough total for the under to cash.

Toronto’s averaging 4.13 runs per game while Los Angeles is averaging 4.03.

The under on this total has hit in five of Berrios’ last seven road starts and six of Anderson’s last nine home outings.

Mets moneyline (-182): Oakland struck first in this series but I expect a bounce-back performance from New York.

The Mets have lost four consecutive contests but David Peterson’s steady presence should guide the team back into the win column.

New York is an impressive 9-3 when he starts this year thanks to his strong 3.34 ERA.

Peterson doesn’t give up much big contact as he’s holding opponents to a minuscule .371 SLG this season.

Oakland turns to Joey Estes and his numbers aren’t as strong. Estes boasts a 4.70 ERA and opponents have slugged .452 off him.

New York’s offence only has five runs over its last four games, but there’s reason to believe a resurgent effort is coming.

The Mets are 10th in runs per game (4.75), faring significantly better than the Athletics who rank 25th (4.08).

Picks made at 1:41 p.m. on 08/14/24.

Josh Allen NFL futures odds and best bet: 2024 betting lines for Bills quarterback

The 2024 season promises to be a unique challenge for Josh Allen as he leads a new-look Buffalo Bills squad.

The latest: Several key veterans, including receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, are no longer with the team. Buffalo didn’t make any splashy moves to fill Diggs’ role, meaning Allen will have to coach up a group that isn’t getting much love ahead of the campaign.

Check out our Allen NFL futures odds and analysis ahead of the 2024 season.

Allen NFL futures odds

Click linked odds to add selection to your betslip. Note: Lines have changed/market no longer available if grey.

Betting markets	Betting odds
Over 3,700.5 passing yards	-125
Under 3,700.5 passing yards	+101
Over 25.5 passing touchdowns	-112
Under 25.5 passing touchdowns	-112
Over 475.5 rushing yards	-124
Under 475.5 rushing yards	+100
Over 9.5 rushing touchdowns	+120
Under 9.5 rushing touchdowns	-150

NFL odds as of 12:40 p.m. ET on 08/14/2024.

Check out our complete NFL betting markets.

Taking the over on all of Allen’s props listed above could be very tempting.

The Bills quarterback, after all, cashed the over on each market listed above a season ago. He finished the 2023 campaign with 4,306 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 524 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.

He motored past all of the above lines, to be frank, which is nothing new for the two-time Pro Bowler.

Allen has usurped the over on all of the above lines each of the last three years, excluding rushing touchdowns in 2021 and 2022.

Those taking a bear approach on Allen, however, will point to two obvious tension points.

The first is the loss of Diggs. There’s no doubt that the addition of Diggs helped take Allen to new heights.

After all, Allen was named the Pro Football Writers’ Most Improved Player in Diggs’ first year with the team.

Secondly, there’s always heightened injury worry with Allen.

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound QB is difficult for defenders to wrap up. But Allen’s willingness to run exposes him to more contact than other QBs which increases his likeliehood of getting hurt.

The latter hasn’t been an issue to this point of his career, though, as Allen has started 16-plus games in every season for Buffalo since 2019.

Allen MVP odds

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Allen is among the top contenders for MVP once again in 2024.

The quarterback is still searching for his first award. He’s knocked on the door several times, finishing second in MVP voting in 2020 and third each of the last two seasons.

It’s hard to deny that Allen is one of the best dual-threat talents the league has ever seen. Since entering the NFL he’s second among all QBs in rushing yards (3,611) and first in rushing touchdowns (53), according to Statmuse.

He’s been equally as prolific through the air, too. Allen ranks sixth in passing yards (22,703) and fourth in passing touchdowns (167) during the same stretch.

Josh Allen top prop bet

Best Bet: Allen to win MVP (+900)

This continues to be the wager bettors should be making on Allen.

His mobility and elite arm talent make him a threat every single season to win this award, but the Buffalo QB has an especially compelling case in 2024.

The losses of Diggs and Davis are perceived knocks to Buffalo’s offence. The two were the team’s top wide receivers and the squad, on paper, has done little to replace them.

Curtis Samuel was acquired in free agency and Keon Coleman was selected in the second round, but neither profiles as a one-for-one Diggs replacement.

If Buffalo’s offence can maintain its elite production in 2024, there’s no question that Allen is going to receive a ton of credit and recognition from voters.

Unlike in previous seasons, there’s no All-Pro wide receiver in the mix. Allen is working with an inexperienced bunch that he’ll have to prop up.

Allen enters this season with his worst supporting cast in years, but this is his best opportunity yet to silence critics and show just how valuable he is.

NFL pick made at 12:40 p.m. on 08/14/24.

France vs. USA Olympic women’s gold medal basketball odds: Americans big favourites to win

The host nation has a chance to pull off a major upset as France battles Team USA for Olympic gold.

The latest: The men’s and women’s Olympic basketball finals pin the same two nations against each other as France and the USA battle for basketball supremacy. The Americans are heavy favourites in this contest and have dominated on their path to the final.

Check out the latest France vs. USA Olympic women’s basketball odds for the matchup on August 11.

France vs. USA Olympic women’s basketball odds

Betting markets	Betting odds
France to win	+800
USA to win	-1,600
France +15.5	-118
USA -15.5	-106
Over 156 points	-112
Under 156 points	-112

Go to full France vs. USA markets.

France vs. USA preview

It’s going to take a truly special effort from France to knock off the USA.

The Americans have dominated tournament play. They’re a sterling 5-0 to this point and have convincingly won every game.

Team USA’s average margin of victory is 18.6 points per game thanks to excellent play at both ends of the court.

The squad is averaging 89.8 points per game while limiting the opposition to a minuscule 71.2 points per contest.

The team has been very balanced offensively with several star players factoring into the mix. A’ja Wilson leads the bunch with 18.2 points per game, ranking fourth in the tournament. Breanna Stewart (18.0) and Jackie Young (11.0) also rank inside the top 30 and have been consistent contributors.

France’s resume at the Olympics isn’t quite as impressive. It lost to Australia in the group stage and needed a second-half comeback plus overtime to beat Belgium, 81-75, in the semifinal.

The French haven’t been anywhere as potent offensively as the USA, averaging 77.4 points per game. Only Gabby Williams (14.8) is averaging double-digit points per contest.

A strong defensive effort is France’s best path to victory in this contest. The French have been a very strong defensive outfit, holding opponents to 65.2 points per game.

Women’s Olympic basketball odds as of 12:20 p.m. ET on 08/10/2024.

France vs. USA Olympic women’s gold medal basketball odds: Americans big favourites to win

The host nation has a chance to pull off a major upset as France battles Team USA for Olympic gold.

The latest: The men’s and women’s Olympic basketball finals pin the same two nations against each other as France and the USA battle for basketball supremacy. The Americans are heavy favourites in this contest and have dominated on their path to the final.

Check out the latest France vs. USA Olympic women’s basketball odds for the matchup on August 11.

France vs. USA Olympic women’s basketball odds

Betting markets	Betting odds
France to win	+800
USA to win	-1,667
France +15.5	-112
USA -15.5	-112
Over 156.5 points	-112
Under 156.5 points	-112