NFL bettors are bullish on these teams making a playoff leap in 2026

It’s easy to get lost in the flurry of offseason news cycles, but not every transaction will pay out the dividends that NFL agents and GMs are forecasting. Before teams start lining up against each other this fall, FanDuel’s odds on NFL teams to make the playoffs are a useful measure of how well the market thinks each team’s offseason maneuvering has improved their chances of playing meaningful football in December and January.

In the AFC, bettors see Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow all leading their teams back into the tournament. In the NFC, it’s a little more complicated. Seven teams make the playoffs from each conference, but each of the four division winners is guaranteed a spot – and last year’s 8-9 NFC South champ took a playoff spot from multiple 9-8 teams.

The market is forecasting a similar scenario this season. The Dallas Cowboys (-102) and the Chicago Bears (+110) both have better odds of finding their way into the playoffs in general, but the Buccaneers (+140) would leapfrog them into the tournament given their ranking as the NFC South team with the best odds.

Baltimore Ravens (-350)

The Ravens are favorites to make the playoffs out of the AFC despite a down season from Lamar Jackson’s squad last year. The biggest changes will come in the headsets, as Jesse Minter returns to Baltimore after developing his defensive coaching philosophy under Jim Harbaugh with Michigan and the Chargers. Minter brought on 29-year-old Declan Doyle to revitalize the offense after he spent last season learning under Bears HC Ben Johnson.

They also added depth across the D line, starring Trey Hendrickson, Calais Campbell, and second-rounder Zion Young. Their 3rd- and 4th-round picks, wideouts Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt, will also get chances to be difference-makers early.

Kansas City Chiefs (-184)

The Chiefs were playing outside of the playoff picture before Patrick Mahomes’ knee injury ended his 2025 season early, but the market still sees Kansas City as the team to beat in the AFC West. Andy Reid brought back Eric Bieniemy to support the offensive coaching staff, swapped out both tackles, and signed Kenneth Walker III to help establish the run game. They also added Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier to a QB room that is expected to see action early. Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive unit lost both of their starting corners, but reloaded with free agent safety Alohi Gilman and first-round pick Mansoor Delane.

Cincinnati Bengals (-174)

The Bengals finished last season with just six wins after another injury shortened Joe Burrow’s season. The front office responded to their QB’s public challenge by investing heavily in the defense, including Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe, and Jonathan Allen along the line; and safeties Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger in the back end. Despite the down season for the team overall, Chase Brown emerged as another star on offense by rushing for over 1,000 yards.

Detroit Lions (-200)

Dan Campbell’s team has the third-highest odds of returning to the playoffs despite finishing at the bottom of the NFC North last season. They spent the offseason remaking their offensive line, shifting Penei Sewell to left tackle and signing Cade Mays, Larry Borom, and drafting Blake Miller in the first round. Campbell brought on Drew Petzing to run the offense, which returns the majority of its skill talent, and replaced David Montgomery with Isaiah Pacheco as the bruising back behind Jahmyr Gibbs. They also extended LB Jack Campbell, and gave him the keys to a defense that just couldn’t stay healthy last year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+140)

Tampa Bay lost a tiebreaker to the Panthers to miss the playoffs last season, and they’re currently the best bet to represent the NFC South this year. They bolstered their defense through the draft (Rueben Bain Jr., Josiah Trotter) and free agency (Alex Anzalone). The offense lost Mike Evans, but still has great receiver depth with Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan. They also extended Cade Otton, and brought in Kenneth Gainwell to back up Bucky Irving. Todd Bowles’ teams had won four straight division titles before the coin flip last year, and he hired OC Zac Robinson to reunite with Baker Mayfield after the two shared success together with the Rams.