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DraftKings Unveils Innovative NFL Futures Markets for Bettors

Perry Odelia

Updated as of August 1, 2026 at 12:28 PM EDT. Read time: 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Find more information on Twitter and Google News.

Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 26, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 26, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images via AFP.

As the NFL season approaches, now is the perfect time to explore DraftKings’ innovative NFL futures markets and compare them to other top sports betting apps. Get ahead of the game by taking advantage of the latest NFL odds and diving into the exciting world of futures shopping.

If you’re following me on Underscoreg Review or X, you’re aware of my enthusiasm for betting on NBA basketball. DraftKings made a unique move during the NBA draft by live trading, a feat only accomplished by them among sportsbooks.

Currently in the NBA offseason, DraftKings is the frontrunner in releasing the 2026 NBA futures odds. Whether it be NBA win totals, NBA Finals odds, or new award markets like the Clutch Player of the Year award, DraftKings is the go-to source. If you’re eager to know when new NBA futures will be available, make sure to check DraftKings first, as they are the first to post them.

I understand that this article is meant to focus on the NFL, and I will get there. While the NBA is currently in its offseason, I have been working on team previews for the NFC North teams in the NFL, including the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers.

As I delved into the futures markets for these teams on our top NFL betting sites, I couldn’t help but notice that DraftKings is leading the way with their innovative and original markets. It dawned on me that it’s time to appreciate the exciting developments in DraftKings’ futures markets.

DraftKings Unveils Innovative NFL Futures Markets for Bettors

I acknowledge your potential thoughts on this topic and anticipate the responses if I were to share this opinion on X. However, for the time being, let’s set that aside and concentrate on the benefits of introducing new futures markets.

For years, my friends and I have gathered around a campfire discussing the need for more diversity in futures markets. While we have always enjoyed betting on classic NFL MVP and other awards markets, the limited number of players in contention for these awards has left some fanbases without viable futures options to support their favorite teams. It can be frustrating for fans who may not have strong contenders for winning the division, Super Bowl, or leading in statistical categories like passing yards.

I have long held the belief that sportsbooks could attract bettors from all fanbases by providing betting markets that give their favorite players or teams a chance to win, regardless of allegiance. DraftKings has made a move in this direction during the current NFL offseason, offering unique futures markets where fans can bet on which player will lead their division in passing, rushing, and receiving yards. Surprisingly, no other sportsbooks have followed suit yet.

This is awesome!

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Let’s take a look at a specific market for example. Picture yourself as a die-hard Jacksonville Jaguars fan, excited about Calvin Ridley teaming up with Trevor Lawrence this season. Do you believe Ridley has what it takes to lead the NFL in receiving yards? While there may be a potential advantage, it’s important to acknowledge that Ridley doesn’t quite measure up to wide receivers like Justin Jefferson.

If you’re a Jaguars fan, you may have been hesitant to bet on Ridley in the past. However, with the recent introduction of this new handicap and market, there could finally be a betting opportunity for you to consider.

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Here is another example: the market for the “most improved regular-season team.” While futures markets have traditionally been popular for Super Bowl contenders, this market offers fans of teams looking to improve a chance to place a wager on their favorite team.

Although these markets can be enjoyable and thrilling, it is important to stress that you should only participate if you can pinpoint an advantage and detect a probability discrepancy. As sportsbooks introduce new and expanded markets, they are also opening themselves up to more mistakes as they strive to handle a growing number of options. I predict that we will see some sportsbooks imitating DraftKings and offering incorrect prices due to the sheer volume of markets they are trying to manage.

In my opinion, I support the introduction of new futures markets. As a bettor, one of the key advantages is being able to concentrate on and track the odds for a particular market, unlike a sportsbook which must manage all their offerings. This is why sportsbooks are constantly on the defensive, and it provides an opportunity for bettors to profit from identifying mistakes.

As futures markets become increasingly specialized, such as wagering on the NFC East passing yards leader, fans of a specific team like the Dallas Cowboys may have an edge over sportsbooks because of their deep understanding of the division.

I am impressed by the creativity shown by DraftKings and see potential for further innovation in a variety of sports.

Here are our best NFL betting sites:

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Written By:
Perry Odelia
Perry Odelia is a Sports Betting Analyst at UnderscoregReview.com. Having played, coached, and officiated basketball, he immediately turned his attention to the NBA and College Basketball when he entered the sports betting space. Sports betting has been a part of his life for over 13 years, and he specializes in futures markets and player props, particularly in the NBA. In pursuit of value, he keeps a close eye on movements in the betting markets. He believes strongly in analytics and staying ahead of the curve; let the numbers do the talking. A graduate of the University of Windsor with a degree in Sports Studies, Jon enjoys spending time with his dogs when he isn’t watching basketball.