Staying disciplined, setting limits, and being selective are the best ways to keep your bankroll steady
Betting on NFL futures can be exciting, especially for fans looking to back their favorite teams or players long before the season ends. However, the long-term nature of futures bets means managing your bankroll is critical. Poor planning can tie up funds for months with little flexibility, which may leave you short during the main NFL season.
The first step is setting aside a specific portion of your overall bankroll just for futures. A common recommendation is to allocate no more than 10% to 15% of your total NFL betting budget to these long-term wagers. Since futures take time to settle, this ensures you still have enough left for weekly games, props, or in-play betting throughout the season.
It’s also wise to spread your futures bets across multiple outcomes rather than going all-in on one. For example, instead of placing your entire futures budget on a single team to win the Super Bowl, consider smaller bets on several teams with value odds or other futures markets like division winners, MVP, or rookie awards. This gives you multiple chances to profit and lowers the risk of a single missed bet wiping out your entire futures stake.
Timing also plays a role. Lines and odds move based on offseason trades, injuries, and performance trends, so getting in early may mean better payouts—but also higher risk. On the flip side, waiting allows more certainty but less value. Consider staggering your futures bets throughout the offseason and early season as new information becomes available.
Lastly, don’t chase. If you lose a futures bet, resist the urge to double up on another out of frustration.
