So, you’re sitting at the bar with your buddies on Super Bowl Sunday, frantically filling out your last-minute bet slips, and someone throws out: “Hey, should I go for the octopus?” You pause, awkwardly pretending to know exactly what that is – but, let’s be real, you’re probably here because you Googled it right after. An octopus bet is one of those quirky NFL prop bets that sound almost mythical to the uninitiated. But don’t worry, you’re in the right spot—I’m about to break down the guts of this unique wager (and maybe convince you to try one at your next football league get-together). Whether you’re hoping to spice up your next NFL betting slip or just want to be the know-it-all at your next sports watching party, keep reading. Octopus bets may just be the wild card play you never knew you needed in football betting.
Understanding the Concept of an Octopus Bet
Definition and Explanation of an Octopus Bet
Okay, here’s the scoop: An Octopus bet is a super specific, and honestly kind of rare, occurrence in NFL games. It’s when a single player scores a touchdown AND immediately follows that up with the two-point conversion—on the same drive! Honestly, I imagine someone had to have been watching a crazy game, saw this happen, and thought, “Heck, that needs a cool name.” If you’re thinking this doesn’t happen a lot, you’re spot on. The odds of one player being responsible for both the touchdown and the two-point conversion isn’t exactly your average Sunday game event. But when it happens? Betters who took the plunge can win big. The name comes from the eight points (six for the touchdown, two for the conversion)—hence, like octopus tentacles (who comes up with this stuff, right?).
Origin and History in the NFL
This wouldn’t be a sports betting guides article without a little history lesson. The term “octopus” is actually pretty new to the block in NFL betting. First coined not even a decade ago by Mitch Goldich (a writer at Sports Illustrated, for those keeping score), the meaning quickly spread among prop bet lovers and turned into a badge of honor for both statisticians and gamblers. Before this, people didn’t really have a fancy name for this particular feat—it’s just that rare. For years, high risk bets in football were focused on things like final scores or who’s making the first interception, but now there’s a unique wager that feels like discovering a hidden level in a video game. I remember my friend Tony swearing he “invented” the octopus bet after seeing one live—only to find out not only did he not invent it, but that people have actually tracked this stat for the past few years. Shows you how wild and niche NFL prop bets can get!
The Mechanics of an Octopus Bet in Football
How to Place an Octopus Bet
Let’s say you actually want to put your money where your mouth is and place an octopus bet. First step: you gotta find a sportsbook that even offers this little gem. Not all the mainstream betting sites have picked up on this NFL prop bet, so you’ll wanna look at those that list “unique wagers” or dig around the prop bets section, especially during big events like the Super Bowl. Then, you just choose the player you think could pull off the double—score the touchdown and the two-point conversion in one swoop. Some sites might only let you bet on whether ANY octopus occurs, while others let you go after individual players. Be warned though: you’re swimming in high risk, low frequency waters. Don’t be shocked if the odds look like something out of a sci-fi flick!
Odds and Payouts Explained
Now, let’s talk money (which, let’s be honest, is the best part of sports betting). Octopus odds are wild. We’re talking +1400 or even as nutty as +5000, which basically means the house expects you to lose, but if you nail it—cha-ching. Because it just doesn’t happen that often, the payout can be huge. I’ve seen games where people toss a $5 bet on an octopus, and they walk away with enough cash for a Super Bowl watch party for ten. But here’s the catch: those odds are there for a reason. You might be chasing a unicorn; sometimes you’re just lighting money on fire and calling it “fun.” Still, it’s stories like these that keep gambling legend alive among groups of friends.
| Bet Type | Frequency | Average Odds | Payout Potential | Excitement Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Bet | Very Rare | +1400 to +5000 | Very High | 🔥 Off the Charts |
| First TD Scorer | Common | +400 to +1200 | Moderate | High |
| Anytime TD Scorer | Frequent | -150 to +500 | Low/Moderate | Moderate |
| Over/Under Points | Every Game | Even (-110/-110) | Standard | Depends on the Game |
So, yeah, an octopus bet is a totally different beast compared to your everyday NFL prop bets—high risk, high reward, and mad bragging rights.
Strategies and Tips for Betting on an Octopus
Effective Betting Strategies
Alright, if you’re feeling gutsy (or just tired of boring bets), you’ll want your octopus bet to be more than just a shot in the dark. My first piece of advice: do your homework! You want to look for players who are, for lack of a better word, showoffs—quarterbacks or running backs who get the ball at the goal line, or wide receivers who double as two-point conversion threats. Jalen Hurts, anyone? He’s just as likely to sneak it in himself as he is to throw the ball. Also, consider the team’s tendencies; some coaches love to go for two after touchdowns, especially when chasing the lead or during high-scoring shootouts.
But don’t stop there. Keep an eye on injury reports—sometimes a backup gets thrust into a spotlight and becomes the unlikely hero for both plays. And frankly, it doesn’t hurt to scroll through some recent box scores and see if a player’s already achieved the octopus or gotten close. My old college roommate actually tracks red zone stats in his spare time (dude needs a hobby), but he’s surprisingly right about weird prop bets about half the time. Just remember, betting isn’t crystal ball territory; it’s all about stacking tiny little odds in your favor.
Evaluating Risks and Rewards
Let’s be very real: an octopus bet is a gamble. Like, out-there, Vegas-strip, adrenaline-rush type gambling. But that’s the thrill, right? I once watched a group of us lose $20 on “octopus” bets in a single night, but when one of us finally hit it, the payout basically covered everyone’s wings and beer. On the flip side, you can’t count on luck every time. The stakes are high, reward is huge—but you gotta know when to quit or at least play small.
The trick is to keep your bet size reasonable. Tossing wild money at a high probability “no” isn’t smart in the long run. Mixing in some octopus bets with more reliable NFL betting options can make the game feel exciting without blowing up your budget. Here’s a couple of things you might want to ask yourself before pulling the trigger:
- Does the player have a realistic path to both score and get the immediate two-point play?
- What’s the game flow? Is it likely to become a shootout or remain a defensive slog?
If you can’t confidently nod your head to those questions, you’re better off playing it safe. But hey, no risk, no reward, right?
Comparing Octopus Bets to Other Prop Bets
Differences with Prop Bets
So here’s the deal: not all NFL prop bets are created equal. The octopus bet is different because it needs a player to pull double duty, versus the usual props like “Will Player X score a touchdown?” or “Who rushes for more than 100 yards?”. Classic prop bets hinge on single-stat outcomes, but the octopus? That’s a combo move most bettors haven’t even considered. Imagine betting on a basketball player to hit a three-pointer and steal the ball on the very same possession…it’s not apples to apples compared to simpler bets. The coordination and odds make it way more volatile—and, honestly, more fun to root for.
I’ve heard some folks call the octopus the “unicorn” or the “homerun of prop bets” because of how rare it is. Even seasoned gambling friends get stumped when it happens—prob some even forget they have money on it until the TV guy screams, “That’s an octopus!” So if you’re tired of basic bets and want to one-up your friends, this is the prop with flair.
Advantages and Disadvantages
As with any unique wager, the octopus has its pros and cons. On the upside, the payout is so much sweeter than your typical “will there be a safety?” or “will there be a blocked punt?” bet. Also, you’ll almost never have to split the glory (and the cash) with your whole office pool—because almost nobody else picked it. But, naturally, the odds are there for a reason.
To make things a bit clearer, here’s what you might want to weigh before laying down that crazy octopus bet:
- Pro: High payout, massive bragging rights, and a totally unique sweat during the game.
- Pro: Can add fun for otherwise “low stakes” or “boring” matchups if you want a reason to watch closely.
- Con: Extremely rare and unpredictable—possible to go a whole season without a single octopus appearing.
- Con: Not offered by every sportsbook (especially outside of major events or NFL games).
At the end of the day, it depends on your appetite for risk and your need for a good story to tell at your next tailgate. For some, it’s just not worth the stress. For others, it’s what makes NFL betting electric.
FAQs about Octopus in Football Betting
Common Questions and Misconceptions
I get asked about the octopus bet a lot, so let’s clear up some confusion. First, does it have to be the same drive? YES. The player must get the touchdown and then also tally the two-point conversion immediately after—it’s not enough to do it at different times or across separate possessions. Second, can it be on defense? Nope, it’s gotta be an offensive player. A third question—I swear, some people just want to find loopholes—is, “What if there are two separate players for the two plays?” Sorry, only counts if it’s the SAME player.
One big myth: people think it happens way more often than it actually does. Trust me, I’ve been keeping track since I learned what an octopus even was. It’s such a rare feat, most people watching the game barely notice until someone points it out (usually the lucky, suddenly richer dude yelling in the back of the bar).
Famous Octopus Bets in History
Time for some fun storytelling! There have been a handful of wild moments in the NFL when the octopus bet would’ve turned a regular Sunday into a legendary night. For instance, in Super Bowl LII, Eagles’ quarterback Nick Foles accounted for an octopus (which, by the way, hardly anyone expected—most sportsbooks didn’t even offer it). More recently, the whole “Philly Special” has become lore among betting nerds because it’s the perfect storm for this kind of wager.
I distinctly remember a viral moment on Twitter when a bettor posted his $20 ticket at +4000 on a random Monday night and, by dumb luck, his chosen player hit the octopus. Cue the internet losing its mind (and probably that guy buying drinks for weeks). These moments are rare, but when they happen, they fuel the dreams—and crazy bet slips—of football betting fans for the rest of the season.
If you want to be part of that select group who gets to humble-brag about landing an octopus, now you know what to look for, what to expect, and (a little bit) how to beat the odds. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you if your friends accuse you of making it all up—I’ve been there. Happy (high risk) betting!