As the World Cup comes to a close, sportsbooks in Las Vegas are gearing up for the National Football League (NFL) as training camps kick off this week.

Teams are set to welcome rookies for physicals starting tomorrow (July 20), while veterans will begin arriving by Wednesday (July 22). Each NFL team's reporting schedule may vary, but by week’s end, all 32 teams will be actively preparing for the upcoming 2026 season.
Focus Shifts to NFL for Sportsbooks
During this period, oddsmakers shift their focus away from player hype and eye-catching plays to data that could actually impact a team's trajectory: Who's securing first-team reps? Are rookies participating with the first team, particularly at key positions like quarterback, running back, and tight end? Who is taking the majority of snaps at quarterback?
Changes in coaching staff, like with the Las Vegas Raiders now under Gary Kubiak, can redefine expectations. Is there an adjustment in the defensive strategy? Will there be an increased emphasis on the running game?
These developments have the potential to affect future odds, season win totals, and even lines for Week 1 betting.
Key Quarterback Contests
Jamey Pileggi, Risk Manager at Circa Sports in Las Vegas, emphasized the importance of monitoring quarterback competitions.
One notable battle is in Cleveland, where veteran Deshaun Watson makes his comeback from an Achilles injury to contend with sophomore Shedeur Sanders for the starting position. Both quarterbacks are training alongside skill players this week, with an open competition and Sanders promoting his enhancements made during the offseason.
“Quarterback competitions are the most significant factors in adjusting game lines and future markets," Pileggi stated. “The situation in Minnesota with the Vikings is particularly interesting. I regard Kyler Murray as a considerable upgrade over JJ McCarthy." 
Impact of Rookies on Market Dynamics
Joey Feazel, Head of Football at Caesars Sportsbook, noted that there are three major quarterback contests being monitored this preseason: Watson versus Sanders, Murray versus McCarthy, and Tua Tagovailoa versus Michael Penix in Atlanta with the Falcons.
“While these matchups might not immediately influence future odds unless the victors showcase remarkable performances, we are also keeping a close eye on rookies like Fernando Mendoza [Raiders] and Carson Beck [Arizona Cardinals]. Although neither is expected to start Week 1, strong showings could place current starters Kirk Cousins [Raiders] and Jacoby Brissett [Cardinals] on shaky ground,” Feazel explained.
“If these rookies make an early impression, they could significantly elevate the teams' prospects for the later season and have a major impact on the Offensive Rookie of the Year market.”
Injury Reports Shift Market Quickly
Naturally, oddsmakers remain vigilant about injuries since a major injury can swiftly alter Super Bowl odds.
“Injury news prompts the quickest adjustments in our odds during training camp,” Pileggi remarked. “The moment a beat reporter tweets that a key QB might miss regular season games, we’ll see immediate betting against that team if we don’t react quickly.”
Pileggi also noted that bettors are currently enthusiastic about the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals.
“The Rams have impressive potential, especially with the possibility of Aaron Donald returning from retirement, yet they find themselves in what I think is the toughest division in the NFL,” he added. “We currently have them at less than 5/1 to win the championship. Bettors seem to overlook the Seahawks and are caught up in the Super Bowl hangover narrative, which has diminished interest in them.”
Bettors Favor Rams and Bengals
A quick glance at BetMGM's lines confirms this trend. The Rams' odds shifted from -285 to -500 to make the playoffs, representing the largest line movement, followed by the Baltimore Ravens (-350 to -375), Bengals (-130 to -175), Houston Texans (-140 to -170), and the Dallas Cowboys (+110 to +100).
In terms of ticket volume, the most bet teams to make the playoffs include the Raiders (+550), New York Giants (+260), and Chicago Bears (+100). For monetary stakes, the most supported are the Detroit Lions (-220), New York Jets (+800), and the Raiders (+500). On the flip side, the most bet team to miss the playoffs, based on tickets, is the Lions (+180), while the Pittsburgh Steelers (-220) take that position for monetary bets.
BetMGM Markets Show Notable Movement
In BetMGM’s NFL season win totals market, the most favored Over bets by ticket count are the Giants (7.5), Raiders (5.5), and Denver Broncos (9.5). In terms of money wagered, the Vikings (8.5), Broncos (9.5), and Lions (10.5) top the list.
For the Under, the teams most commonly bet on by ticket numbers are the Miami Dolphins (4.5), New England Patriots (9.5), and Green Bay Packers (9.5). By money wagered, the Cardinals (3.5), Dolphins (4.5), and Chicago Bears (9.5) lead.
Feazel pointed out that the betting market appears to be overreacting to the Chicago Bears under quarterback Caleb Williams as the NFL season approaches.
Bears Overvalued, Cowboys Undervalued
“Even though head coach Ben Johnson has clearly improved the team's culture, Williams had his share of struggles with passing accuracy this past year,” he clarified. “Nonetheless, the betting public is enamored with his athletic plays, which contributed to their playoff run last year.”
On the undervalued side, Feazel identified the Cowboys as a prime opportunity.
“Dallas has had an exceptional offseason, effectively addressing last year's defensive challenges,” he remarked. “With Brian Schottenheimer heading into year two of his system, the Cowboys have the stability and defensive improvements crucial for contesting the NFC East title.”