It's never too early to look ahead to the season.
Futures bets are an interesting proposition. Many things can happen during an NFL season, and sometimes the easiest money doesn't cash due to unforeseen circumstances. Teams aren't complete with the NFL draft ten days away, and with teams adding free agents post-NFL draft. However, there are bets to jump on before the odds change with a great draft class.
I've identified three futures bets to take a look at before the draft kicks off, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Saints win the NFC South: +290
Following a hot streak to finish the 2025 season, the Saints are primed to take another leap in 2026. The Panthers won the division with an 8-9 record due to a tiebreaker last season. Tampa Bay is the betting favorite to win the division at +150, but Todd Bowles is still the coach, Mike Evans has departed, and Lavonte David retired.
It's best to sprinkle some money on New Orleans before they land an impact player with the eighth pick. A successful draft will move the odds. Get in while the odds are this good.
Saints over win total of 7.5: -110
If you believe the Saints will win the division, as I do, then they'll need at least eight wins like Carolina last season, right? Eight wins won't be enough to win the South in 2026, but considering the success New Orleans had in the division, there are six potential wins. Let's say there are four or five, the Saints can win three or four more games.
The under has the same odds at -110, so clearly Vegas is split on New Orleans in 2026. Don't waffle or half-step, put some money on the over.
Saints make the playoffs: +220
All three of these bets are connected. Logically, if the Saints win the division, then this cashes, right? The Bucs sit at +110, and the Panthers are behind New Orleans at +220. Again, all three of these bets and odds are either going to be off the board or the odds will shift drastically if the Saints knock out the draft.
Clearly, Vegas is bullish on New Orleans after their hot finish to the season and highly regarded free agency period this offseason. Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara form a top running back duo, the offensive line has two young studs, Tyler Shough is ascending, and there is a chance Chris Olave has some help on the outside in the draft.