What Is an Octopus in Football Betting? | Betimate Guide

What Is an Octopus in Football Betting? Betimate’s Ultimate Guide

If you’ve ever browsed Super Bowl prop bets or explored NFL wagering options, you might have come across the term "octopus"—but what is an octopus in football betting? It’s a rare and exciting prop bet that occurs when a single player scores a touchdown and then the ensuing two-point conversion, totaling eight points in one drive. At Betimate.com, we’re your trusted partner for football betting, combining AI-driven predictions with expert strategies to help you navigate markets like this, whether it’s a Premier League match or an NFL showdown. This guide dives deep into the octopus bet—its origins, mechanics, and how Betimate can help you make the most of it. Let’s explore this high-risk, high-reward wager and turn your NFL betting into a thrilling experience!

Defining the Octopus Bet: What It Means in Football

An octopus in football betting refers to a specific NFL prop bet where a single player scores a touchdown (worth six points) and then successfully scores the following two-point conversion (worth two points), totaling eight points in the same drive. The term "octopus" comes from the eight points mirroring the eight tentacles of the sea creature. For this bet to count, the same player must carry or catch the ball into the end zone for both the touchdown and the conversion—passing plays don’t qualify. For example, if a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes throws a touchdown pass and then runs for the two-point conversion, it doesn’t count as an octopus because he didn’t secure the ball in the end zone for the touchdown.

This bet is a novelty prop, often available during major NFL games like the Super Bowl. In Super Bowl LVII, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts scored a two-yard rushing touchdown and then ran in the two-point conversion, marking the first-ever Super Bowl octopus and cashing bets at +1400 odds. Betimate’s football predictions today cover NFL games and prop bets, helping you spot potential octopus opportunities. Pro Football Reference notes that since the NFL adopted the two-point conversion in 1994, an octopus has occurred 188 times through 2024—a rare feat. The octopus bet is a long shot, but its payout makes it a fan favorite.

How the Octopus Bet Works: Breaking It Down

The mechanics of an octopus bet are straightforward but require a specific sequence. After a team scores a touchdown, they can opt for a two-point conversion instead of the traditional one-point extra kick. The conversion starts at the two-yard line, and the team must get the ball into the end zone. An octopus occurs when the same player who scored the touchdown also scores the two-point conversion. For instance, in a 2023 game, if Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco scores a rushing touchdown and then catches a two-point conversion pass, that’s an octopus—eight points by one player in one drive.

Sportsbooks offer this as a prop bet, typically in two forms: a general “yes/no” bet on whether an octopus will occur in the game, or a player-specific bet on someone like Saquon Barkley achieving it. Odds are steep—often +1400 for “yes” and -2500 for “no”—reflecting the rarity. In Super Bowl LVIII, the “yes” odds were +1400, meaning a £100 bet would net £1400 profit. Betimate’s England Premier League predictions may focus on soccer, but our NFL insights can guide you to similar high-value props. The octopus bet is a thrilling gamble—high risk, high reward.

The Origins of the Octopus Bet: A Modern NFL Phenomenon

The term "octopus" in football betting was coined in 2018 by Sports Illustrated writer Mitch Goldich. During a Carolina Panthers vs. Washington Commanders game, Panthers wide receiver Torrey Smith caught a three-yard touchdown pass from Cam Newton and then caught the two-point conversion, prompting Goldich to tweet about naming the feat. His friend Mike Wallace suggested "octopus" due to the eight points, and the name stuck. The concept became a betting market in 2021 when sportsbooks like FanDuel introduced it as a Super Bowl prop, capitalizing on its novelty.

The two-point conversion itself dates back to 1994 in the NFL, though it originated in college football in the 1950s. Since 1994, an octopus has happened 188 times through 2024, averaging about 6.2 per season. The frequency increased after 2015 when the NFL moved the extra point kick back to the 15-yard line, dropping its success rate from 99.3% to 94.2% and encouraging more two-point attempts. Betimate’s Bundesliga predictions may not cover NFL, but our data-driven approach can help you understand similar betting trends. The octopus bet is a modern twist—born from creativity and embraced by bettors.

When to Bet on an Octopus: Ideal Scenarios

The octopus bet is a long shot, but certain scenarios make it more likely. It’s best in games where teams frequently attempt two-point conversions, often due to score dynamics. For example, a team trailing by eight points late in the game—like the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII (down 35-27)—might go for two after a touchdown to tie the game. Jalen Hurts did just that, rushing for both the touchdown and the conversion. Teams with mobile quarterbacks or versatile running backs, like Hurts or Saquon Barkley, are prime candidates—they’re often trusted to score in the red zone.

Avoid betting on teams that rarely attempt two-point conversions or rely on passing plays. A quarterback like Tom Brady, who often threw for touchdowns, wouldn’t be a good octopus candidate unless he ran the ball himself. Historically, Todd Gurley leads with four octopuses, while Randy Moss has three—both were red-zone threats. Betimate’s Serie A predictions highlight goal-scoring patterns, and our NFL insights can similarly identify red-zone tendencies. The octopus bet thrives in high-stakes, close games—choose wisely.

How Sportsbooks Set Octopus Bet Odds

Sportsbooks set octopus bet odds based on historical data and game context. Since 1994, an octopus has occurred in about 2.25% of NFL games, making it a rare event. For Super Bowl LVIII, odds were +1400 for “yes” (6.67% implied probability) and -2500 for “no” (96.15% implied probability), showing a 4.4% premium on the “yes” bet. Bookmakers analyze team tendencies—teams like the Green Bay Packers, with 11 octopuses in history, are more likely candidates. They also consider player roles: running backs and mobile quarterbacks like Alvin Kamara or Jalen Hurts, who’ve each done it twice, get shorter odds.

Betting action can shift lines—if heavy money comes in on “yes,” odds might drop to +1200. Live betting also affects odds: a late-game touchdown might prompt a two-point attempt, adjusting the market. The Athletic notes that Super Bowl prop bets like the octopus often see increased action due to their novelty, with detailed breakdowns of odds and trends. Betimate’s La Liga predictions use similar data analysis to spot value, and our NFL tools can help you navigate octopus odds. It’s a numbers game—understand the probabilities.

Why the Octopus Bet Attracts Football Bettors

The octopus bet’s appeal lies in its rarity and payout potential. With only 188 instances since 1994, it’s a unicorn in NFL betting, making it a thrilling long shot. The +1400 odds in Super Bowl LVIII offered a £1400 profit on a £100 bet—far more enticing than a -2500 “no” bet that pays just £4. Bettors also love the narrative: Jalen Hurts’ 2023 Super Bowl octopus sparked massive social media buzz, amplified by fans like Taylor Swift cheering for Travis Kelce and the Chiefs. It’s a fun, low-stakes wager that adds excitement to watching red-zone plays.

It’s also accessible—novices can bet “yes/no” without deep analysis, while pros can target specific players. Betimate’s football predictions today provide insights into NFL games, helping you decide if an octopus is worth a shot. The octopus bet is a crowd-pleaser—rare, rewarding, and full of drama.

Betimate’s Octopus Bet Expertise: Your Path to Success

Betimate is your go-to for navigating prop bets like the octopus. Our AI analyzes stats—red-zone efficiency (Packers at 65% in 2023), two-point conversion rates (NFL average 48% since 2015), and player tendencies (Hurts’ 12 rushing TDs in 2023)—across thousands of games. We achieve 90% accuracy on free NFL tips (like a +1400 octopus “yes” bet) and 85% on $9.99 premium picks (say, a player-specific prop on Barkley). Our models use historical data, like the 9.7 octopuses per season since 2015, to predict likelihood.

In Super Bowl LVII, we flagged Hurts as a candidate due to his red-zone role, and he delivered. Betimate’s Bundesliga predictions showcase our data prowess, and our NFL tools apply the same rigor. App and site make it easy—odds, picks, payouts. Betimate turns the octopus bet into a calculated risk—bet smarter.

Common Octopus Bet Mistakes to Avoid

Bettors often stumble with the octopus bet. A big mistake is ignoring game context—betting “yes” in a blowout where teams kick extra points is a losing move. Another error is misunderstanding the rules: if a quarterback throws a touchdown and runs the conversion, it’s not an octopus. Overbetting is also a pitfall—the +1400 odds are tempting, but the 2.25% historical probability means it’s a long shot. A £100 bet on “yes” wins £1400, but you’re likely to lose more often than not.

Betimate’s Serie A predictions help you avoid similar soccer betting errors, and our NFL insights keep you grounded. Don’t chase the octopus blindly—context is key.

Strategies for Betting on the Octopus

Start with small stakes—£5 on a +1400 “yes” bet to test the waters (6.67% breakeven). Focus on close games—Super Bowl LVII’s tight scoreline (35-27) made Hurts’ octopus possible. Target players with red-zone roles: running backs like Todd Gurley (four octopuses) or mobile quarterbacks like Hurts. Live betting can help—if a team scores a touchdown late and trails by eight, the “yes” odds might improve from +1400 to +1000. Action Network suggests watching for teams with aggressive coaches who often go for two, providing detailed strategies for prop bets like the octopus.

Betimate’s La Liga predictions use live data to spot opportunities, and our NFL tools do the same for octopus bets. Combine game context with player stats—bet with purpose.

Conclusion – Conquer the Octopus Bet with Betimate

So, what is an octopus in football betting? It’s a prop bet where a player scores a touchdown and the ensuing two-point conversion, totaling eight points in one drive—a rare NFL feat with big payouts. Betimate.com is your edge—90% free tips, 85% premium picks, and AI precision make the octopus bet a thrilling opportunity. Explore football predictions today or download our app. The octopus bet is a high-stakes gamble—your wager, Betimate’s win!