What is an Octopus Bet in Football?

The octopus bet is a unique American Football prop that pays out when the same player who scores a touchdown also nails the subsequent two-point conversion (eight points in total).

The octopus doesn’t surface all that often, however, because it’s so rare, winning bets on the line can deliver bumper profits for NFL betting fans.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything that’s worth knowing about this unconventional wager, from its origins and mechanics to the betting strategies you can use to your advantage on sportsbooks.

The Origins of Octopus Betting

Let’s rewind to the early 90s and to the rule change that would eventually lead to the creation of today’s octopus wager.

Back in 1994, the two-point conversion was introduced to replace the traditional one point extra, which opened up the possibility of the same player notching eight points from successive plays (one touchdown + conversion).

Fast forward to 2018, and the occurrence was finally given its own name. Sports Illustrated writer Mitch Goldich was present for Torrey Smith’s eight-point salvo in a game between Carloni and Washington.

Motivated to mark the special double-scoring feat with its own moniker, Goldich tweeted: “There should be a cool name for what Torrey Smith just did. … What should we call this?”

A response from his friend, Mike Wallace, suggested “octopus” (you get it, eight tentacles/eight points) and the term was officially coined.

Since 1994’s increase to conversion points, there have been around 200 occurrences of the octopus, though the most notable was at Super Bowl LVII in 2023.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts did the deed then, in what was the first ever incident of the octopus in NFL’s biggest game. Bettors who were on that line in 2023 earned whopper payouts at +1400 odds.

How Does an Octopus Bet Work?

An octopus football bet is a straightforward wager that requires a very precise two-part combination of outcomes to land.

It’s offered by NFL betting sites as a yes/no prop bet, usually listed with this sort of language attached: “Will there be an octopus?”

The odds attached to the octopus can vary, but generally sit between +1100 and +1400. While the “No” side of the line, which very few bettors plump for, is usually priced at around -2500. Meaning you’d have to stake $2500 to win $100.

Payouts hinge on this exact sequence happening and no substitutions are allowed. The same football player must secure the ball in the end zone for both: a rushing or receiving TD, followed by grabbing or running in the two-pointer, without a kick or later attempt.

Quarterback passes don’t count towards it as the QB doesn’t actually “score” the touchdown. Let’s work through a real-world example from a Super Bowl octopus bet (LVII, 2023) for extra clarity.

Philadelphia Eagles star QB Jalen Hurts, facing the Kansas City Chiefs, scrambled for a 3-yard TD before diving in for the two-point conversion himself shortly after, tying the game at 35-35 with 5:15 left on the clock.

Bettors who backed the “yes” to the betting octopus at +1400 on NFL sportsbooks would have turned $10 into $150 profit. Those pre-game odds translated into an implied probability of just 6.7%, which is why you tend to see this bet type listed under player props or in novelty sections.

Pros & Cons of the Octopus Bet in Football

Just like any other type of football bet or NFL picks, the octopus has its own set of plus points and drawbacks. There are positives and negatives to consider before backing the line and below, we’ve listed some of the main ones to help guide your betting decisions.

Notable Players to Score an Octopus in the NFL

The octopus in football betting’s rarity means it’s celebrated as a major achievement when it does occur. A number of players in the NFL have doubled up in games to enter the annals, including Todd Gurley, who holds the all-time record with four career octopi, all of which were secured during his Rams heyday.

Randy Moss is next in line with three (two for Vikings, one for Patriots), while Davante Adams has claimed two, one for the Packers (2019) and another for the Jets (2024).

Rob Moore, of Jets and Cardinals fame, also lodged two during his career, first in 1994 for NY and then for Arizona two years later. Terrel Davis, a star of the Broncos’ 90s dynasty, produced two in the same year back in 1997.

Jalen Hurts, who we mentioned earlier, etched his name into Super Bowl immortality with his octopus in 2023, while three-time champ Patrick Mahomes lodged one for the Chiefs in 2022.

Texans bruiser Nick Chubb completed the feat for previous team, the Browns, in a regular season game back in 2022. Tight end Dalton Schultz got in on the act for the Cowboys in 2021. D’Onta Foreman, produced the goods in unexpected style for the Panthers during a career-best campaign in 2022.

More recently, talented running back Saquon Barkley delivered his own eight-pointer for the Eagles (2024), while the Colts’ Jonathan Taylor and the Buccs’ Emeka Egbuka landed the octopus in 2025.

Effective Octopus Betting Strategy

Admittedly, landing the octopus in sports betting can be tough, however, there are some strategies you can apply to your thinking to enhance your chances of landing it, including the following:

Analyze Team and Player Tendencies

It’s always a good idea to try to focus on squads with versatile players on the roster (think the Saints’ Alvin Kamara or the 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey) and obvious offensive strengths. Check their red zone usage via Pro Football Reference. Avoid conservative coaches who default to kicks. Look to stats sites for information on teams that frequently try two-point conversions and have higher success rates than most.

Shop Odds Across Sportsbooks

Like with other football markets, octopus in betting odds can vary from sportsbook to sportsbook, so shop around for the best prices. Use odds comparison sites to see how firms measure up against each other. Some operators offer enhanced prices for the line for bigger games.

Factor in Game Script and Fatigue

Attempts can spike when late-game desperation sinks in and when defenses start to tire out. The data suggests that close contests where margins are slender are a more fertile hunting ground for Octopi.

Bankroll Management and Diversification

It should go without saying, that you should always go light on this line. It isn’t wise to stake too much on any novelty bet, including this one. Treat this prop as a sort of lottery ticket. Pair it with safer wagers like totals or moneylines to balance things out. Avoid adding the octopus bet on football to any NFL parlay picks, however. Keep your expectations low and financial control tight.

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