Why is NFL betting so popular? More than anything, it’s the point spread.
While betting on a team to win is the O.G. of sports betting, backing a straight-up favorite can get expensive, while betting the underdog usually requires a big upset. The spread levels the playing field by giving one team a points advantage, shifting the bet from who wins the game to whether the favorite wins by enough.
To help you make informed wagers, we’ve looked at the recent past, present, and future to identify the Top 25 NFL teams against the spread in 2026.
Top 25 Teams Against the Spread Since 2025 to Present
Here are rankings for the top 25 teams against the spread (ATS) in terms of talent, consistency, ATS +/- and margin of victory. While knowledgeable bets are always the best bets, remember that on any given Sunday, an injury, weather, or the football gods can still turn a smart bet into a loss.
All odds and records are as of September 28, 2026.
1. Buffalo Bills
- 3-1 ATS in 2026
- 12-10 ATS since 2025
- 2-0 ATS at home in 2026
Buffalo finished 2025 8-9 ATS, but their stable 2026 start in a very unstable market makes them No. 1 on our list. They’ve started the year 3-0 ATS, rank first in points scored, and have shown they can beat you through the air or on the ground.
2. San Francisco 49ers
- 3-1 ATS in 2026
- 13-8-1 ATS since 2025
- 9-3 ATS as an away team since 2025
Despite a litany of injuries that seem to span seasons, the 49ers always seem to maximize every snap, whether on offense or defense. They’ve had a steady ATS record since 2026, and although they failed to cover against Arizona in Week 3, it was a division opponent, and they still won straight up. There’s also been plenty of inconsistent QB play this year, but Brock Purdy looks sharp and in control. Once again, their overall ATS performance appears to hinge on injuries.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
- 3-1 ATS in 2026
- 14-7-0 ATS since 2025
- 8-2-0 ATS at home since 2025
Head coach Liam Coen has steadied the Jaguars into a squad you can no longer ignore on Sundays. It culminated last year when they went 8-1 ATS to finish the season. Now, they’ve followed up a tough loss at Denver by absolutely throttling the New England Patriots 35-6 as three-point favorites. That gives them the second-best margin of victory since 2025 and the second-best margin of victory against the spread.
4. Seattle Seahawks
- 1-1-2 ATS in 2026
- 16-6-1 ATS since 2025
- 9-2 ATS as an away team since 2025
Seattle flew under the radar at the start of 2025, which led to a five-game winning streak ATS and a Super Bowl that oddsmakers didn’t see coming. They’ve started 2026 just 1-2 ATS, but they still boast a competent QB, solid defense, and a star wideout in Jaxson Smith-Njigba. The question is whether their run game can still be a catalyst to lean on; in their Week 3 loss to Washington, they averaged just 2.4 yards per carry.
5. Las Vegas Raiders
- 4-0 ATS in 2026
- 10-10 ATS since 2025
- 4-3 ATS in division games since 2025
Yes. The Raiders.
While they haven’t exactly played superstar opponents this season. The Raiders appear to have the veteran QB play, juice at the skill positions, and a defense that leads the NFL in turnovers.
6. Minnesota Vikings
- 3-1 ATS in 2026
- 11-9 ATS since 2025
- 2-0 ATS in division games in 2026
The Vikings are this high due to solid coaching on both sides of the ball. They’ve overcome a shaky QB situation and a slow start by star receiver Justin Jefferson to go 3-0 ATS and SU. Every week they’ve looked ready, played stout defense, and have the NFL’s second-best turnover differential.
7. New York Jets
- 2-1 ATS in 2026
- 9-9-2 ATS since 2025
- 2-1-1 ATS after a win since 2025
The Jets, like the Raiders, are a classic case of a bad 2025 squad making a jump in 2026. And, with a vet QB, stout offensive line, and improving defense, the ATS surprises could continue regardless of their SU record.
8. Kansas City Chiefs
- 2-2 ATS in 2026
- 8-11-1 ATS since 2025
- 6-4-1 ATS at home since 2025
The Chiefs’ offense struggled so much in 2025 that Patrick Mahomes’ ACL and LCL injury felt like a fresh start. Their offseason soul-searching led them to devise a top-five run game to alleviate pressure on the future HOFer QB. The result? Easier throws, a more efficient offense, and more rest for the defense. The Chiefs look complete, which is a scary thought for oddsmakers.
9. New Orleans Saints
- 2-2 ATS in 2026
- 11-9 ATS since 2025
- 8-3 ATS on t he road since 2025
Everyone expected a paper-bag-worthy rebuilding year, but rookie QB Tyler Shough stepped in and led the Saints to a shocking 6-0 ATS finish in 2025.
They’ve had a hot start again in 2026, and it seems like only their defense can slow them down.
10. Denver Broncos
- 2-2 ATS in 2026
- 11-10-1 ATS since 2025
- 9-4 ATS at home since 2025
Bo Nix and the Broncos offense is still shaky, but their defense keeps them in games long enough for Nix to manufacture some magic. That was on display in Week 3 versus the L.A. Rams, who won 30-26 after falling behind 16-0 in the first half. The homedog win makes them 9-4 ATS at home since 2025, and 3-0 as an underdog at Mile High Stadium.
11. Cleveland Browns
- 3-1 ATS in 2026
- 10-10 ATS since 2025
- 6-1 ATS as home underdog since 2025
Yes, the Browns have been such a disaster that it’s hard to trust them. But consider this: After their 21-18 Week 3 win as a homedog they’re now 6-1 ATS as an underdog at Hutington Bank Field since 2025. QB DeShaun Watson isn’t perfect, but he’s steadied the Cleveland offense enough to finally help its talented defense.
12. Carolina Panthers
- 2-2 ATS in 2026
- 12-9 ATS since 2025
- 10-0 ATS after a loss since 2025
The Panthers’ Week 3 loss to Cleveland proves they’re still prone to a dud performance or two, but they’re also consistently resilient. The Panthers are 10-0 ATS since 2025 after a loss. If Bryce Young continues his ascent and the defense settles in, a better ATS record should follow.
13. New England Patriots
- 2-1 ATS in 2026
- 14-8-2 ATS since 2025
- 7-3-1 ATS as an away team since 2025
Last year, New England, like Seattle, went on a run oddsmakers didn’t see coming, which helped any bettor who backed them to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, Drake Maye has looked like a shell of his 2025 self to start 2026, putting every spread in doubt.
14. Indianapolis
- 3-1 ATS in 2026
- 10-8-2 ATS since 2025
- 5-3-1 ATS as away team since 2025
Indianapolis hasn’t started the season with the same dominant efficiency, but they’ve gone 2-1 ATS with covers against tough squads in Kansas City and Houston. Their run focus still lets QB Daniel Jones operate, and their defense remains stout.
15. Dallas Cowboys
- 3-2 ATS in 2026
- 9-11 ATS since 2025
- 3-0 ATS as homedog since 2025
The Cowboys always seem to be in a shootout, giving up 27.3 points per game while averaging 29.3. They have a chance to fix their issues with 0-3 ATS squads coming up next: Houston, Tampa Bay, and Green Bay.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers
- 2-2 ATS in 2026
- 11-10 ATS since 2026
- 5-2 ATS in division games since 2025
Aaron Rodgers proved against the Cincinnati Bengals that he can still patch together a 30-point offensive performance in 2026, making Pittsburgh a good strategic play as a homedog.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
- 2-2 ATS in 2026
- 10-10 ATS since 2025
- 2-5 ATS in division games since 2025
The jury is still out whether the Bengals can finally field a reliable defense – giving up 30 points to Pittsburgh when they averaged 11.5 coming into the division battle will do that. But the offense is ready.
18. Arizona Cardinals
- 2-2 ATS in 2026
- 8-12 ATS since 2025
- 1-6 ATS at home underdog since 2025
After dropping just 7 points against the Seahawks in Week 2, the Cardinals once again exploded for 30 and a backdoor cover against San Francisco. The offense has proven to be capable, and top-three pick Jeremiyah Love hasn’t even hit his stride yet.
19. Los Angeles Rams
- 2-2 ATS in 2026
- 13-10 ATS since 2025
- 7-3 ATS at home since 2025
If we went to sleep after the Rams/Broncos first half in Week 3, L.A. would’ve been in the top 10. But their usually poised defense allowed 30 points in the second half, and the offense couldn’t keep up. The Rams need to get healthy and see the return of Myles Garrett and Puka Nacua.
20. Atlanta Falcons
- 2-2 ATS in 2026
- 9-10-1 ATS since 2025
- 7-3-1 ATS as underdog since 2025
QB Michael Penix Jr. hasn’t quite shown superstar status, but he was sharp enough against Green Bay to highlight their playmakers. If that continues, Atlanta could be a sneaky ATS underdog until their Week 11 bye.
21. Washington Commanders
- 2-2 ATS in 2026
- 9-11 ATS since 2025
- 5-3 ATS in division games since 2025
The Commanders will always be a betting enigma. We don’t know whether QB Jayden Daniels will last four quarters, and though backup Marcus Mariota proved against Seattle that he always has a SU and ATS upset up his sleeve, it never lasts week to week.
22. Chicago Bears
- 3-1 ATS in 2026
- 13-8 ATS since 2025
- 3-0 ATS as homedog since 2025
The Bears are in disarray with QB Caleb Williams out for 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury. Not to mention, the jury’s still out on whether he can consistently lead an offense without last-second heroics.
23. New York Giants
- 3-1 ATS in 2026
- 11-9 ATS since 2025
- 5-3 ATS as homedog since 2025
With a 2-1 ATS start, they deserve a top-25 spot despite losing second-year QB Jaxson Dart. Head coach John Harbaugh will do his best to keep the team grinding, but don’t expect shootouts with Jameis Winston under center.
24. Philadelphia Eagles
- 0-4 ATS in 2026
- 10-10 ATS since 2025
- 6-4 ATS as away team since 2025
The Eagles have had closer calls than oddsmakers expected to start 2026, but all the talk of Jalen Hurts’ offseason demise seems overblown thus far. He looked capable of leading the Eagles on another NFC run.
25. Baltimore Ravens
- 1-3 ATS in 2026
- 7-13 ATS since 2025
- 5-4 ATS as away team since 2025
Baltimore is a bit of an enigma. The Ravens have all the pieces to field a dominant offense, but their defense – traditionally a franchise strength – has fallen apart, forcing them into shootouts nearly every week. If the defense can find its footing, Baltimore has enough firepower to put together a profitable ATS run.