College Football Playoffs Best Bets, Odds, Picks, & Player Props for First Round
The College Football Playoff opens this weekend with four first-round matchups split across Friday night and Saturday, giving eight teams a chance to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals. With win-or-go-home stakes and elite talent on the field, this slate offers some of the strongest betting opportunities of the postseason.
Below are our best college football bets today across sports betting apps and with the latest sportsbook promotions, starting with game lines before diving into anytime touchdown scorers and player props.
Game Lines
Alabama ML (-105) vs Oklahoma
🏈Odds via BetMGM📈
Alabama’s defense has played its best football late in the season and matches up well against Oklahoma’s offense. With the Tide’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and generate pressure, backing them on the moneyline avoids spread variance in a tight playoff game in which they want revenge for a loss earlier this season.
Texas A&M -3.5 (-105) vs Miami
🏈Odds via Caesars Sportsbook📈
Texas A&M has the trench advantage on both sides and should be able to dictate tempo against Miami. Laying just over a field goal feels reasonable with the Aggies’ balance and ability to finish drives at home, especially given Miami's regular season record and schedule.
Ole Miss -17.5 (-108) vs Tulane
🏈Odds via bet365📈
Ole Miss brings a significant talent and speed edge into this matchup. If the Rebels start fast, Tulane will struggle to keep pace offensively, making the large number playable in a playoff setting. Despite Ole Miss being in a weird situation with Lane Kiffen leaning, the Rebels beat Tulane by 35 earlier this season and has already proven there's a clear talent gap.
Oregon -20.5 (-115) vs James Madison
🏈Odds via BetMGM📈
Oregon’s offense is built to overwhelm opponents with tempo and explosiveness. Against a James Madison team stepping up in competition, the Ducks have multiple paths to pulling away and covering a big spread, especially an Oregon team looking to make a statement.
Anytime TD Scorers
Isaiah Sategna Anytime TD (+123)
🏈Odds via bet365📈
Sategna’s speed and route versatility make him a constant scoring threat, especially in space. In a game where Oklahoma will need chunk plays, he profiles well to find the end zone like he has many times throughout the season to this point.
Kevin Concepcion Anytime TD (+105)
🏈Odds via BetMGM📈
Concepcion has become a key red-zone target for the Aggies. His usage near the goal line and ability after the catch give him strong touchdown equity in a competitive game and he's one of Marcel Reed's favorite targets.
Trinidad Chambliss Anytime TD (-115)
🏈Odds via Caesars Sportsbook📈
Chambliss adds a rushing element to Ole Miss’ offense and is frequently involved near the goal line. Against Tulane, designed quarterback runs and scramble opportunities make this a solid anytime TD look.
Kenyon Sadiq Anytime TD (-141)
🏈Odds via bet365📈
Sadiq is a mismatch at tight end and a reliable red-zone option. Oregon’s offensive efficiency should generate multiple scoring chances, giving him strong touchdown probability against defenders who simply won't be able to match his athleticism.
Player Props
Ryan Williams Over 41.5 Receiving Yards (-115)
🏈Odds via BetMGM📈
Williams is Alabama’s most explosive perimeter threat and doesn’t need heavy volume to cash. A handful of intermediate or vertical targets should be enough to clear this number as he looks to shine on the big stage.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win Malachi Toney Over 6.5 Receptions (-128)
🏈Odds via Caesars Sportsbook📈
Toney is Miami’s most reliable possession receiver and projects for steady volume. If the Hurricanes are forced into a pass-heavy script, his reception total should climb quickly as Carson Beck slings the ball.
Jake Retzlaff Over 31.5 Rushing Yards (-115)
🏈Odds via BetMGM📈
Retzlaff’s mobility is a key part of Tulane’s offense. Even if passing lanes are limited, designed runs and scrambles give him a realistic path to clearing this rushing number.
Dante Moore Over 233.5 Passing Yards (-114)
🏈Odds via Caesars Sportsbook📈
Moore operates one of the most aggressive passing attacks in the country. With Oregon expected to control the game, efficiency and explosive plays should push him past this yardage mark against an inferior opponent.
The opening round of the College Football Playoff delivers high-leverage football and plenty of betting angles. Whether you’re backing game lines, targeting anytime touchdown scorers or isolating player props, be sure to check sports betting apps for the best available numbers and take advantage of sportsbook promotions. These are some of the best college football bets today as the postseason officially gets underway.
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All Odds as of 6:00 a.m. ET on Dec. 19
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