What Is an Octopus Bet in Football?

If you’ve spent any time around football bettors, you’ve probably heard someone mention an octopus bet. It’s one of those quirky wagers that instantly grabs attention and makes you wonder what the heck it means. If you’ve ever caught yourself asking “What is an Octopus in football betting?” you’re not alone.

The truth is, it’s not as weird as it sounds once you know the story behind it. Turns out, there’s a pretty fun reason for the name. Let’s break down what an octopus bet actually is, how it works, and why it’s become a favorite talking point among football fans. 

What Does an Octopus Bet Mean?

When you hear “octopus,” you probably picture the eight-armed sea creature wrapping itself around anything in reach. It’s not exactly a term you’d expect to hear during a sports broadcast, but it’s managed to stick as one of football’s most unusual betting terms.

When betting on football, an octopus is when a single player grabs hold of all eight points on a scoring drive. This means they have to score the touchdown and then also score the ensuing two-point conversion. That unique combination of skill and circumstance is what makes it such a rare and exciting prop bet for football fans.

Since it’s so uncommon, sportsbooks usually offer juicy odds whenever an octopus prop is on the board. That makes it a tempting longshot wager for bettors who love chasing big payouts. It’s the kind of prop that keeps things interesting, even in games that might otherwise feel routine.

How the Octopus Bet Got Its Name

The idea for calling it an “octopus” came from Mitch Goldich, a writer at Sports Illustrated. He introduced the term in a 2019 piece celebrating the 25th anniversary of the NFL adopting the two-point conversion. He was digging into odd scoring stats when he floated the idea on Twitter after a weird 8-point sequence by Torrey Smith.

Goldich posed: “There should be a cool name for what Torrey Smith just did: scoring a TD and also scoring the 2-point conversion right afterward. What should we call this?” His friend Mike Wallace (yes, that Mike Wallace) replied: “Octopus,” pointing to the eight tentacles as a metaphor for eight points. The name stuck, and ever since then, the octopus has become part of the NFL lexicon. 

How the ‘Will There Be an Octopus?’ Bet Works

Most sportsbooks offer the octopus bet as a straightforward prop. You’re not usually betting on a specific player — just on whether any player in the game will score both the touchdown and the two-point conversion on the same drive. If that happens even once during the game, the “Yes” side cashes. If it never happens, the “No” side wins.

Because an octopus is rare, the “Yes” option usually comes with long odds, often anywhere from +1000 to +2500 or higher depending on the matchup. Sportsbooks post the line before kickoff, and the prop is often settled as soon as an octopus occurs. 

Some sportsbooks may offer player-specific octopus props, where you wager on a particular player to score both the touchdown and the two-pointer. Those odds are even longer but can lead to massive payouts if you pick the right player. 

Why Bettors Are Talking About the Octopus

The octopus has become one of the more fun props in football betting. Bettors love the thrill of wagering on something that can swing a game, while also delivering a hefty payout, all in one drive. It’s unpredictable, exciting, and can cash big when it hits.

The buzz took off as soon as sportsbooks started posting Will there be an octopus bets for big games. What was once an exotic prop reserved only for the Super Bowl is now a popular wager with everyday bettors. These days, nearly every major betting site has octopus bets available for NFL games. 

One of the most famous examples of an octopus bet came in Super Bowl LVII, when Jalen Hurts pulled off the first—and so far only—octopus in a Super Bowl. He scored a touchdown on a 2-yard run late in the game, then went for two and ran it in again to tie the game at 35-35. The Eagles lost the game, but that moment turned into a goldmine for folks who backed the Will there be an octopus bet.

Whenever a star player pulls it off or even comes close, the betting world lights up. The play becomes a highlight-reel moment with football fans, and a reason to celebrate for anyone who bet on an octopus to occur in that game.

How to Place an Octopus Bet (If Available)

Placing an octopus bet is just like making any other football prop. The hardest part is finding a sportsbook that actually lists the bet type, since it’s not always available. Most US sportsbooks only post it for marquee games or big playoff matchups, with some offshore sites more likely to have it on the board.

Once you’ve found a sportsbook offering it, here’s how to place an octopus bet step by step:

1. Find the Bet: Look under the Game Props or Scoring Props section in your sportsbook’s football menu.
2. Choose the Market: Select the Will there be an octopus bet.
3. Pick Your Side: Decide whether you’re betting “Yes” (an octopus will happen) or “No.”
4. Consider Player Options: If available, check for player-specific octopus props for longer odds and bigger payouts.
5. Place Your Wager: Enter your stake and confirm your bet before kickoff.

Octopuses don’t happen every Sunday, so expect this bet to be a longshot. That’s part of the appeal: you don’t need to risk much for the chance at a significant return. Just keep in mind that the odds reflect how unlikely it is, so it’s best treated as a fun, small-stake wager rather than a core football betting strategy.

Alternatives to the Octopus Bet

Since the octopus prop isn’t always available, it’s smart to have a few backup bets in mind. Luckily, there are plenty of other football props that capture the same kind of excitement, focusing on those rare, game-swinging plays that can cash in big.

Tips for Betting on an Octopus

Betting on an octopus is fun, but it’s definitely a long-shot wager. Betting on an octopus is fun, but it’s definitely a long-shot wager. To give yourself the best chance of making money betting on the NFL, here are a few things to keep in mind before you lock in your octopus bet:

Target the Right Players

Focus on players who are often involved in scoring plays, like star running backs, mobile quarterbacks, or top red-zone receivers. They’re the most likely to pull off the rare touchdown-plus-two-point combo.

Pick the Right Games

Octopus props usually show up for marquee matchups, and high-scoring games give you more chances for it to happen. Look for games with strong offenses or close point spreads where two-point tries are more likely.

Keep It Small

Because the bet is so rare, it’s best treated as a fun, small-stake wager rather than a key part of your betting strategy. That way you can enjoy the sweat without risking too much of your bankroll.

Shop the Odds

Different sportsbooks post different prices for the same prop. With long-shot bets like this, even a small difference in odds can mean a much bigger payout if you hit it. Check a few sites to make sure you’re getting the best price on your octopus bet.

Final Thoughts on Octopus Football Bets

The octopus bet has quickly become a fan-favorite football prop because it’s quirky, rare, and adds extra drama to key scoring moments. While it’s never going to be a staple of your betting strategy, it’s a fun wager to sprinkle on when the matchup looks right — especially in high-scoring games or with players who thrive in the red zone.

Just remember it’s a longshot, so keep your stakes small and enjoy the ride. Whether you win or not, rooting for one player to grab all eight points on a drive makes every touchdown-plus-conversion sequence a moment to watch!