Chiefs and 49ers Lead NFL Odds for No. 1 Seeds

Earning the No. 1 seed in the NFL playoffs is a coveted achievement, granting a team a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs. These advantages can be pivotal in the quest for the Lombardi Trophy. Historically, since 2013, six of the 13 Super Bowl champions have been the top seed in their respective conferences, underscoring the importance of this position.

As of October 7, 2026, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers are leading the odds after both teams started the season with 4-0 records. The Chiefs, who missed the playoffs last season, have shown a return to form, while the 49ers have overtaken the preseason favorites, the Los Angeles Rams, in the NFC.

In the AFC, the Chiefs are currently favored at +235, meaning a $10 bet would yield a total payout of $33.50. Following them are the Buffalo Bills at +300 and the Baltimore Ravens at +380. The Ravens, who began the season as the +400 favorites, have seen their odds shift due to Kansas City's strong start. The Chiefs have previously claimed the top seed four times with Patrick Mahomes as their starter, reaching the Super Bowl in each instance.

The odds for the AFC No. 1 seed are as follows:

- Kansas City Chiefs: +235

- Buffalo Bills: +300

- Baltimore Ravens: +380

- Jacksonville Jaguars: +500

- Cincinnati Bengals: +1000

- Denver Broncos: +1100

- New England Patriots: +1600

- Las Vegas Raiders: +5000

- Indianapolis Colts: +5500

- Cleveland Browns: +5500

- Pittsburgh Steelers: +6500

- Houston Texans: +12000

- New York Jets: +15000

- Los Angeles Chargers: +30000

- Tennessee Titans: +80000

- Miami Dolphins: +100000

In the NFC, the 49ers are currently the favorites at +190, with a $10 bet yielding a total of $29. Their unbeaten start includes victories over the Rams and Broncos, both of whom reached their respective conference championship games last season. The 49ers have seen their odds improve from +900 at the start of the season, reflecting their strong performance. The Seattle Seahawks, who earned the NFC's No. 1 seed in 2025, are currently second at +480, followed closely by the Minnesota Vikings at +550.

The odds for the NFC No. 1 seed are as follows:

- San Francisco 49ers: +190

- Seattle Seahawks: +480

- Minnesota Vikings: +550

- Los Angeles Rams: +600

- Philadelphia Eagles: +800

- Chicago Bears: +800

- Detroit Lions: +1400

- Dallas Cowboys: +2200

- Atlanta Falcons: +5000

- Green Bay Packers: +5500

- Carolina Panthers: +6000

- New York Giants: +8000

- New Orleans Saints: +10000

- Washington Commanders: +15000

- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: +40000

No Points for Excuses

- Arizona Cardinals: +50000

The significance of these odds cannot be understated. The Chiefs' resurgence and the 49ers' dominance highlight the competitive nature of the league. With both teams aiming for the top seed, the implications for playoff positioning and home-field advantage are crucial as the season unfolds. The race for the No. 1 seeds is not just about the odds; it's about the strategic advantages that come with them, shaping the path to the Super Bowl.