How to bet NFL playoff futures in 2026: Six best bets include one longshot worth backing to make the playoffs

We talked about the unpredictably of last season in our division betting preview, with only one favorite taking home the division crown last year. Despite that unpredictably, we did well in our make/miss playoff betting analysis prior to last season, hitting five of our six best bets including both longer shots (Bears make playoffs at +186 and Lions miss playoffs at +165). Other hits included the Broncos and Packers making the playoffs and the Vikings missing the playoffs, with none of those odds shorter than -114.

We did struggle with our leans in those categories, but part of being a sharp bettor is knowing how to separate the strength of your plays and knowing which ones are worth actual investment. Let's see if we can do as good a job of that this year.

So which teams are the best value bets to make the playoffs? And which longer shots are worth backing the most? ... Join SportsLine here to see R.J. White's NFL playoff best bet strategy for 2026!