The 2024 NFL season proved to be monumental for sports betting, with an estimated $35 billion wagered throughout the season and a staggering $1.4 billion on the Super Bowl alone. Fans and bettors alike engaged in a thrilling journey, driven by record-breaking bets, unexpected team performances, and standout players. From bold wagers to unexpected outcomes, this season's betting landscape was as dynamic as the games themselves.
In an unprecedented move, a bettor placed a $0.50 wager with DraftKings, betting on a season-long stats parlay at astronomical odds of +15,989,900. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams saw one of the largest single wagers of the season when a bold bettor at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas risked $1 million on them to cover a three-point underdog spread against the Philadelphia Eagles. These high-stakes bets highlight the daring nature of NFL betting and its increasing popularity.
The Kansas City Chiefs remained a focal point as their over-unders consistently attracted substantial betting interest throughout the season, according to ESPN BET. Their games were eagerly watched by bettors who speculated on their performance week after week. However, it was the Denver Broncos who emerged as a surprisingly dominant team in terms of betting success. They boasted the best favorite average cover margin at 14.25 and clinched their playoff spot with a remarkable 38-0 victory over the Chiefs, despite being 11.5-point favorites.
The Broncos continued their impressive streak by defeating the Falcons in Week 11 with a commanding 38-6 score, achieving their largest favorite cover margin of the season as 1.5-point favorites. Notably, they were the only NFL team to go undefeated against the spread (ATS) as favorites during the 2024 campaign, maintaining a perfect 8-0 record.
The Baltimore Ravens also delivered a solid performance with a 10-7 ATS record. Their only setback as an underdog came in Week 1 against Kansas City. Meanwhile, the Chargers claimed the best ATS record of the regular season, securing 13 wins against the number, tying with 12 other teams for the most all-time. Despite not being among the most heavily bet teams, they ranked fifth on DraftKings' list of top moneymakers for bettors over the regular season.
Derrick Henry emerged as a consensus favorite among bettors during the 2024 season. He was listed third on DraftKings' player moneymaker rankings and consistently drew attention for his dynamic performances on the field.
In Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Eagles captivated local bettors, becoming the most-bet team in the state with 73% of wagers placed on them compared to less than 50% nationwide. The Eagles' journey to the playoffs was notable as they became the biggest longshot to make it since the 2011 Bengals.
The Los Angeles Rams played a significant role in one of the season's most substantial bets, involving a $1 million wager against them to cover a three-point underdog spread against the Eagles. This moment epitomized the high-risk, high-reward nature of sports betting.
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