Curious because you keep hearing about the Octopus bet? Learn more about this bizarre prop type and find out how to take advantage.
What is an Octopus Bet?
An octopus bet is when you bet that the same player scores a touchdown and then immediately scores a two-point conversion.
Where does the Octopus Bet come From?
The term was coined by Mitch Goldich, a writer for Sports Illustrated, in 2019.
The name octopus bet comes from the fact that the play is worth eight points, which is the same number of limbs an octopus has. An octopus bet is a novelty prop bet that is not offered on every game. However, it is often available for the Super Bowl, as it is a rare occurrence.
How Often Does an Octopus Bet Hit?
The odds of an octopus bet winning, are very low. Since the two-point conversion was introduced in 1994, there have only been 175 recorded octopuses in NFL history. This means that the probability of an octopus occurring in any given game is about 2.2%.
As a result, octopus bets are typically offered at very high odds. For example, the odds of an octopus occurring in the Super Bowl were +1400. This means that a $100 bet on an octopus bet would have resulted in a profit of $1,400 if the bet had won.
If you are looking for a high-risk, high-reward betting opportunity, an octopus bet may be worth considering. However, it is important to remember that the odds of an octopus occurring are very low.
When was the last time an Octopus Bet Hit?
Last year thanks to Jalen Hurts!
During Super Bowl 57 at State Farm Stadium, the Philadelphia Eagles managed to even the score against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter, all thanks to an incredible play by Jalen Hurts, fondly referred to as the “Octopus.”
Hurts showcased his skills by executing a remarkable 46-yard pass to DeVonta Smith, which set up an easy touchdown run to get him a rushing touchdown. With his touchdown the score was now 35-33, and then Hurts sealed the Octopus by barging into the end zone for a successful 2-point conversion.
This was the first time in Super Bowl history that the Octopus bet was accomplished. They may not have won the game, but Jalen Hurts and the Eagles found their way into the record book for these two plays.
How Many Octopus Bets were Completed in 2022
During the 2022 regular season 2 octopus bets completed.
The first octopus bet was completed in Week 15 of the regular season, when Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles scored a touchdown and then followed it up with a two-point conversion run against the Chicago Bears. The second octopus bet was completed in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, when Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs scored a touchdown and then followed it up with a two-point conversion pass to Tyreek Hill against the Buffalo Bills.
So, while there were only 2 octopus bets completed last year, they were both successful and resulted in significant payouts for the bettors. Next time your favorite sportsbook listing an octopus bet for an NFL game it may be something you should sprinkle on!
Where Can you place Octopus Bets?
There are a few different places where you can bet on an octopus bet. Some of the most popular sportsbooks that offer octopus bets include:
These sportsbooks usually offer octopus bets and a variety of other prop bets as well, so you can find something to bet on regardless of the game.
It is important to note that not all sportsbooks offer octopus bets. So, if you are looking to place an octopus bet, you will need to check with your preferred sportsbook to see if they offer it.
Tips for Winning Octopus Bets?
Here are some other tips for betting on an octopus bet:
- Do your research. Before you place an octopus bet, it is important to do your research and understand the odds. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to place the bet.
- Be aware of the risks. Octopus bets are very high-risk bets. The odds of an octopus occurring are very low, so you should only place an octopus bet if you are comfortable with the risk.
- Have fun. Betting on an octopus bet can be a lot of fun. So, if you are looking for a unique betting experience, an octopus bet may be worth considering.
What Type of Players Should you bet on for an Octopus?
If you want to place a wager on an Octopus bet it is smart to bet on a quarterback or a running back.
- Quarterbacks and running backs are more likely to score touchdowns. Quarterbacks and running backs are the two positions on the field that are most likely to score touchdowns. This is because they are the players who are most likely to carry the ball or throw the ball into the end zone, especially in the red zone
- Quarterbacks and running backs are more likely to be involved in two-point conversions. Quarterbacks and running backs are also more likely to be involved in two-point conversions. This is because they are the players who are most likely to be called upon to run or throw the ball for the two-point conversion.
- Quarterbacks and running backs are more likely to be in the game at the end of the game. The most likely time for an octopus to occur is at the end of the game. This is because teams are more likely to go for two points at the end of the game, when they are trying to close out a victory or come back from a deficit.
Of course, there is no guarantee that a quarterback or a running back will score a touchdown and then convert the two-point conversion to complete the octopus bet. However, they are the players who are most likely to do so, which makes them the best candidates for an octopus bet.
Which Players are good Octopus Bet Options?
- Patrick Mahomes: Mahomes has scored an octopus three times in his career. He did it in 2018 against the Denver Broncos, in 2019 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and in 2023 against the Buffalo Bills.
- Lamar Jackson: Jackson has scored an octopus twice in his career. He did it in 2019 against the Cincinnati Bengals and in 2020 against the New York Jets.
- Jalen Hurts: Hurts scored an octopus in 2022 against the Chicago Bears and the Chiefs in Super Bowl 57
If you are looking to place an octopus bet, these are just a few of the quarterbacks and running backs who you may want to consider.
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