College Football Playoff First Round Odds: Lines, Spreads, Betting Trends on All Four Games

Patrick Everson Sports Betting Expert

11 minute read

College Football Playoff odds for first-round games hit the board in earnest and are already getting attention. Byes went to No. 1 Indiana, No. 2 Ohio State, No. 3 Georgia and No. 4 Texas Tech.

No. 9 Alabama vs. No. 8 Oklahoma kicks off College Football Playoff First Round odds. Then the surprise game: No. 10 Miami vs. No. 7 Texas A&M, as Notre Dame stunningly wasn't invited to the CFP party.

Here’s everything you need to know about the college football odds playoff market: opening lines, spreads and betting trends for all four games, as multiple oddsmakers provide insights on College Football Playoff odds and action.

(Feature image: Ben Lonergan/Imagn Images)

2025 College Football Playoff First Round Odds

James Madison vs. Oregon Odds

• Opening point spread: Oregon -21
• Opening moneyline: Oregon -1700/James Madison +1000
• Opening total: Over/Under 51 points scored
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 20 (TNT)

Don't wager on this contest without reading VI's James Madison vs. Oregon Predictions!

GAME DAY UPDATE: At 6:45 p.m. ET, 45 minutes before kickoff, Oregon is -21 (-105) in BetMGM's College Football Playoff First Round odds. On Dec. 7, the Ducks opened -20.5, then peaked at -21.5 on Dec. 9. Today, Oregon has toggled between -20.5/-21.5 a couple times.

"It's two-way action at the 21 for the spread. And on moneyline straight bets, again action both ways. There are plenty of teasers going through Oregon, though," BetMGM trading manager Seamus Magee said.

"We'd prefer a JMU win. But I will be realistic and say JMU to keep it as close as it possibly can."

BetMGM's total is at 46.5, having just moved up from the low point of 45.5, after opening 50.5 on Dec. 7. Contrary to most of the movement, though, Davis said BetMGM needs the Under, per usual.

LATE WEEK UPDATE: Oregon sits at -20.5 (-115) in DraftKings' CFP odds for first-round games, as of 2 p.m. ET Friday. That's as low as this number has gotten, on a couple of occasions, after opening -21.5 and peaking at -22.5 on Dec. 10.

"We are high on Oregon. There's been a little buyback on James Madison, but we're still heavy on Oregon," DraftKings director of sportsbook operations Johnny Avello said. "Everyone believes Oregon can win this easily."

Avello is hoping both big underdogs – Tulane and James Madison – can just stay within the spread.

"That would be fine. The best-case scenario for us is those two to be in the game and cover the number," Avello said.

MIDWEEK UPDATE: As of 11:30 a.m. ET Wednesday, Oregon is a full three-touchdown favorite at -21 in DraftKings' College Football Playoff First Round odds. The Ducks opened -21.5 on Dec. 7, and the first move within minutes was to -20.5.

Oregon peaked at -22.5 for a couple hours on Dec. 10 before dipping to -21.5, and the number has been steady at -21 since Tuesday night. The Ducks are drawing 73% of spread tickets, while 62% of spread money is on the big underdog Dukes.

DK's total fell two points on Tuesday alone, from 49.5 to 48.5/47.5. The number opened at 51.5 and went to 50.5 a few hours later on Dec. 7, then went to 49.5 on Sunday. Contrary to the move, 77% of tickets/68% of dollars are on the Over.

EARLY UPDATE: Borgata Sports pegged Oregon as 21-point home chalk, and that number hasn't moved over the first two days.

"I know there were spots that opened this less than Oregon -21, but I’m not sure those lasted too long," Borgata sportsbook director Tom Gable said. "Oregon certainly has a nice path to the title game, and the talent on this team, when healthy, is right there with the best in the country.

"The early money has all been on Oregon here."

Borgata's total hasn't moved off the 50.5 opener.

OPENING ODDS UPDATE: No. 5 seed Oregon (11-1 SU/8-4 ATS) lost to now No. 1 Indiana in Week 7, then went 6-0 SU/4-2 ATS the rest of the regular season. In Week 14, the Ducks topped Washington 26-14 laying 6.5 points on the road.

No. 12 seed James Madison (12-1 SU/8-5 ATS) got into the 12-team field as the fifth-highest ranked conference champion (No. 25). In the Sun Belt title game, the Dukes coasted past Troy 31-14, but fell well short of cashing as 24.5-point home favorites.

Oregon is the biggest favorite in College Football Playoff odds for first-round games. The Ducks opened -20 at 1:30 p.m. ET Sunday and initially went to -21. Then Oregon dialed down to -19.5 in the first 30 minutes.

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Tulane vs. Ole Miss Odds

• Opening point spread: Ole Miss -16
• Opening moneyline: Ole Miss -720/Tulane +330
• Opening total: Over/Under 57 points scored
• Time: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 (TNT)

Betting on this matchup? Then check out VI's Tulane vs. Ole Miss Predictions!

GAME DAY UPDATE: An hour before kickoff, Ole Miss is laying 17 points in BetMGM's CFP First Round odds, having moved down this morning from -17.5. On Dec. 7, the Rebels opened -16.5, and the line went to -17.5 on Dec. 8, sticking there until today.

"Tulane +17.5 and the Under are what we're rooting for," BetMGM trading manager Seamus Magee said. "Handle is still far away from [Miami-Texas A&M]. But we'll see which way the money pours in after [Miami-A&M] finishes."

The total is at 57.5 (Over -115), a high point reached early today. The number opened at 56.5, went to 55.5 for a few hours Monday, then returned to 56.5.

LATE WEEK UPDATE: Ole Miss remains painted to -17.5 at DraftKings, as of 2 p.m. ET Friday, 25.5 hours before kickoff. The Rebels have been at some form of -17.5 since Dec. 8, after opening -16.5 on Dec. 7.

Spread tickets and money are in the 2/1 range on Ole Miss.

"Tulane is not a popular team. Mississippi, being in the SEC, certainly is. So it's not a surprise that it's one-sided play," DraftKings' Johnny Avello said.

Early Friday, the total reached its high point of 57.5, after opening 12 days ago at 55.5. Ticket count is 2/1 and money 3/1-plus on the Over.

MIDWEEK UPDATE: Ole Miss has been pinned to some iteration of -17.5 since Dec. 8 at DraftKings, after opening -16.5 (-115) on Dec. 7. The Rebels are -17.5 (-108) as of 11:30 a.m. ET Wednesday.

Ole Miss is landing 64% of early spread tickets/73% of early spread dollars.

DraftKings' total has toggled between a 55.5 opener and 56.5 a couple times and is now at 56.5. The Over is getting 63% of tickets/71% of money.

EARLY UPDATE: Ole Miss is up a point in Borgata Sports' CFP First Round odds, as of 3:30 p.m. ET Tuesday. The Rebels opened -16.5 and are now -17.5.

"We have seen early money come in on Ole Miss," Borgata sportsbook director Tom Gable said. "Even without Lane Kiffin, I’m not sure Ole Miss will have many problems with a Group of 5 school like Tulane.

"We know the Rebels are motivated after enduring the drama of the last few weeks."

Borgata's total is unchanged at 56.5.

OPENING ODDS UPDATE: Ole Miss (11-1 SU/7-5 ATS) nabbed the No. 6 seed and a bid against one of two Group of 5 teams in the playoff. The Rebels finished the regular season by doubling up Mississippi State 38-19 as 7.5-point road favorites in Week 14.

Tulane (11-2 SU/7-6 ATS) got the 11 seed as the fourth-highest-ranked conference champion (No. 20), winning the American Athletic Conference. In the AAC title game, the Green Wave were 1.5-point home underdogs vs. North Texas and won 34-21.

No surprise, the Tulane-Ole Miss line is significant. At 1:30 p.m. ET Sunday, the Rebels opened -16 in Circa's CFP First Round odds, with no movement in the first 45 minutes.

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Miami vs. Texas A&M Odds

• Opening point spread: Texas A&M -4
• Opening moneyline: Texas A&M -185/Miami +160
• Opening total: Over/Under 51 points scored
• Time: Noon ET Saturday, Dec. 20 (ABC/ESPN)

Check out VegasInsider's Miami vs. Texas A&M predictions!

GAME DAY UPDATE: An hour before kickoff, Texas A&M is -3 (-105) in BetMGM's College Football Playoff odds for first-round games. That's just off the Aggies -3.5 flat opener of Dec. 7, up from the -2.5 low point of Dec. 16 and down from the -4.5 (even) high point early today.

That 4.5 lasted about an hour before A&M dropped to -3.5 (-105) en route to the current -3 (-105). And BetMGM needs the home chalk today.

"It's looking like A&M is going to be our biggest need of the day. There's steady public action on Miami, with a few large wagers the culprit. We'll need A&M -3.5," BetMGM trading manager Seamus Magee said.

The total is at its low point of 48.5, after opening at 51.5, going to 50.5 on Dec. 16 and 49.5/48.5 Wednesday. Still, BetMGM is seeing more activity on the Over for the upcoming kickoff.

LATE WEEK UPDATE: Inside 12 hours before kickoff, Texas A&M is -3.5 (-102) in DraftKings' CFP First Round odds. The Aggies opened -5.5 on Dec. 7 and quickly dropped straight to -4. Since then, the spread has toggled between -3.5/-3 several times.

"We did take some early Miami money, but now we're seeing A&M money. It's a nice balance," DK's Johnny Avello said. "And bettors wanted nothing to do with the Over early. We've had quite a move there on the Under."

Indeed, the total reached its low point Friday of 47.5, after opening at 52.5. Late Friday night, the number was up to 48.5.

MIDWEEK UPDATE: Texas A&M is -3 (-115) in DraftKings' College Football Playoff First Round odds, as of 11:30 a.m. ET Wednesday.. Back on Dec. 7, the Aggies opened -5.5, then quickly dropped straight to -4.

The line went to -3.5 on Dec. 8, then over the past couple days toggled between -3.5/-3. A&M is netting 68% of early spread bets, but 76% of early spread cash is on Miami.

DraftKings' total is at 49.5, just arriving there Wednesday on a move from 50.5. The total opened at 52.5 and spent most of the past 10 days at 51.5, before dipping to 50.5 Tuesday.

The Over is seeing 62% of bets, while 59% of money is on the Under.

EARLY UPDATE: As of 3:30 p.m. ET Tuesday, Texas A&M is pinned to -3.5 in Borgata Sports' College Football Playoff odds First Round market.

"Obviously, with Duke beating Virginia in the ACC title game, there was some hard lobbying going on from the ACC to get Miami in," Borgata sportsbook director Tom Gable said. "From a pure power-rating perspective, Miami is by far the best team from that conference.

"While A&M only has one loss on the season, not many view the Aggies as a true title contender. But having this game at home to start the playoff will be a big boost for them. On a neutral field, I would make this game a pick 'em."

Borgata's total is stable at 51.5.

OPENING ODDS UPDATE: Miami (10-2 SU/7-5 ATS) didn't reach the ACC Championship Game. But the Hurricanes edged Notre Dame for the final at-large bid in the CFP. Miami won its last four games, including a 38-7 rout of Pitt laying 6.5 points on the road to cap the regular season.

The 'Canes are the No. 10 seed in the playoff.

No. 7 seed Texas A&M (11-1 SU/5-7 ATS) was perfect through 11 games, on track for an SEC Championship Game bid and first-round CFP bye. But the Aggies then lost at Texas 27-17 giving 2.5 points in the regular-season finale.

Texas A&M opened as 4-point chalk in Circa Sports' College Football Playoff First Round odds, at 1:30 p.m. ET Sunday. There's no movement in the first 45 minutes.

Alabama vs. Oklahoma Odds

• Opening point spread: Pick 'em
• Opening moneyline: Alabama TBA/Oklahoma TBA
• Opening total: Over/Under 41 points scored
• Time: 8 p.m. ET Friday, Dec. 19 (ABC/ESPN)

Before you bet, check out VegasInsider's Alabama vs. Oklahoma Predictions!

GAME DAY LATE UPDATE: An hour before kickoff, BetMGM has Oklahoma as a 2-point home favorite in CFP First Round odds. In fact, the move from Sooners -1.5 to -2 came in the past hour, at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Back on Dec. 7, Alabama opened -1.5 (-105), and the line jumped the fence or was at pick 'em a couple times over the next 10 days. On Wednesday, the number went to Oklahoma -1.5.

"Any bettor who likes Alabama is on +1.5, and everyone who likes Oklahoma is on the moneyline. So the house really just needs this game to not land on Oklahoma by exactly 1. We would love to see Under 40.5, as well," BetMGM trading manager Seamus Magee said.

"If we get anything other than OU by 1, we'll have a solid night, as long as they keep it low-scoring. Our preference is really just the game staying Under."

The total opened at 40.5, bottomed out at 39.5 Thursday and is now at its peak of 41.5 (Over -115).

GAME DAY EARLY UPDATE: As of 2 p.m. ET Friday, six hours pre-kick, Oklahoma is a 1.5-point home favorite in DraftKings' College Football Playoff First Round odds. Back on Dec. 7, the line was the opposite, opening at Alabama -1.5.

Since then, the favorite flipped a couple times, most recently on Wednesday, from 'Bama -1.5 to Oklahoma -1.5.

"We were seeing quite a bit of Alabama money early. But we've moved to Oklahoma as the favorite," DraftKings director of sportsbook operations Johnny Avello said.

That said, while spread tickets are running dead even, the Crimson Tide are taking 62% of spread money.

DK opened the total at 41.5 and got as low as 39.5 (Over -115) Wednesday. It's now at 40.5 (Over -115), with 71% of tickets/63% of money on the Over.

MIDWEEK UPDATE: As of a 11 a.m. ET Wednesday, two-plus days before kickoff, Alabama is -1.5 (-105) in DraftKings Sportsbook's CFP First Round odds. In fact, that's been the number/juice since Dec. 9, after opening Bama -1.5 flat and spending a day at Oklahoma -1.5.

It's two-way spread play, with 55% of early bets/52% of early money on Oklahoma.

DK's total is at 40.5, moving there on Dec. 8 from the 41.5 opener. Opinions are split, with 65% of bets on the Over/68% of money on the Under.

EARLY UPDATE: Borgata Sports, a BetMGM shop in Atlantic City, has Alabama -1, down a notch from the -1.5 opener in College Football Playoff First Round odds.

"But in some spots, the favorite has already flipped," Borgata sportsbook director Tom Gable said Tuesday afternoon. "I would expect this game to be relatively balanced.

"Neither side is getting much love from bettors in the futures market. And and there hasn’t been any recent performance from either team to really make this lopsided, in terms of the action."

Borgata's total hasn't moved off 40.5.

OPENING ODDS UPDATE: Alabama (10-3 SU/7-5-1 ATS) got in the CFP as the No. 9 seed, despite getting trucked in the SEC Championship Game to finish with three losses. The Crimson Tide tumbled to Georgia 28-7 as 1.5-point underdogs.

Oklahoma (10-2 SU/7-5 ATS) won its last four regular-season games (3-1 ATS) to earn the No. 8 seed. In Week 14, the Sooners got past LSU 17-13, while failing to cover as 12.5-point home favorites.

Obviously worth noting: These two teams met in Week 12, in Tuscaloosa. And Oklahoma claimed a 23-21 victory as a 6.5-point underdog.

This time, the Sooners are at home. Circa Sports, highly regarded for its opening college football opening numbers, opened Alabama-Oklahoma at pick 'em in the College Football Playoff odds first-round market.

That was at 1:30 p.m. ET, and there's been no movement in the first 45 minutes.

Patrick Everson

Patrick Everson is a senior reporter for VegasInsider. Based in Las Vegas since 1994, he's worked in the sports betting journalism/content space for more than a decade. He's most known for his deep roster of contacts behind sportsbook counters, providing readers and viewers with the ins-and-outs of how events are being bet. He's also a thought leader in the sports betting space, often appearing on or moderating panels at national conferences. More from Patrick Everson