Octopus

What is the definition of Octopus in American Football?

The term “octopus” in football was first introduced by Sports Illustrated writer Mitch Goldich in 2019. It refers to an exciting and rare scenario that occurs in NFL games when a player scores a touchdown and then follows it up by scoring the subsequent two-point conversion. Originating from the introduction of the two-point conversion to the league in 1994, there have only been 175 recorded instances of an octopus throughout NFL history.

Understanding the octopus involves delving into the world of touchdown scoring and two-point conversions. In essence, a player is said to have achieved an octopus when they become both the author and finisher of the scoring play. This unique statistical phenomenon adds an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the game, making it a fan favorite.

The betting world has also embraced the appeal of the octopus. Betting on whether a player will score an octopus adds another layer of unpredictability and enjoyment for bettors, particularly during significant events like the Super Bowl. It’s an opportunity to engage in a more challenging wager and potentially win big on a rarely occurring football event.

Key Takeaways

• The “octopus” in football refers to a player scoring a touchdown and the subsequent two-point conversion.
• This rare phenomenon has only occurred 175 times since the introduction of the two-point conversion in 1994.
• Betting on an octopus adds an extra layer of excitement and challenge for football bettors.

Definition and Analysis

Origins and Evolution of the Octopus

The term “Octopus” in football was originally coined by a sports writer, Mitch Goldich, from Sports Illustrated in 2019. It refers to the same player scoring a touchdown and then following it up with a two-point conversion directly after. This situation has occurred 175 times since 1994. The name “Octopus” comes from the eight total points scored by that player, which is equal to the number of appendages an octopus has.

Anatomy of The Octopus Play

An Octopus play occurs when a team chooses to attempt a two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown. While a quarterback may throw the ball during the touchdown or the two-point conversion, it only counts as an Octopus if a single player (other than the quarterback) secures the ball in the end zone on both plays. Players most likely to achieve an Octopus are usually running backs and wide receivers, as they are primarily involved in scoring plays.

Impact in Major Games

The Octopus has played a significant role in some NFL games, where the additional two points have determined the outcome. Trying for a two-point conversion instead of settling for a one-point extra-point kick can be a high-stakes decision for a team. The success or failure of an Octopus play can impact the momentum of a game, changing team strategies and affecting the overall narrative of a match.

Famous Octopus Moments

Notable Octopus moments in NFL history have created memorable highlights for fans. For example, in the 2018 season, Kansas City Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill grabbed a touchdown pass and then successfully secured the two-point conversion. These moments showcase a player’s skill and athleticism and often become iconic moments in a team’s history, generating excitement and interest among football enthusiasts.

The Betting Perspective

The octopus bet is a unique, novelty prop bet in the world of sports betting, particularly in football. It involves a player who scores a touchdown also securing the two-point conversion immediately following the touchdown. This bet is called an octopus due to the combination of six points for a touchdown and two for the conversion, making a total of eight points, reminiscent of an octopus’ eight tentacles.

Sportsbooks such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars have begun offering this intriguing wager as part of their NFL props offerings. To win an octopus bet, a player must secure the ball in the end zone for both the touchdown and the ensuing two-point conversion. Although the concept of an octopus bet was coined in 2019 by Sports Illustrated Sportsbook, its popularity has grown recently, attracting sports bettors seeking different betting opportunities in the market.

The betting odds for an octopus bet can be quite enticing due to the rarity of this event occurring in NFL history. This makes it appealing for sports bettors to place wagers on this particular prop bet, even though the chances of success are relatively low compared to other bets in the betting market.

Online sportsbooks have made it easier for bettors to access and place wagers on various betting markets, including the octopus bet. However, before placing a wager on this specific bet, bettors should carefully consider the odds and stake involved. Knowledge of the teams and players can be beneficial, as it may increase the chances of making an informed decision on the betting outcome.

In conclusion, the octopus bet offers an exciting and unique opportunity to sports bettors who want to venture into the world of football prop bets. With its increasing popularity, it is likely that more and more sportsbooks will offer this wagering option, allowing bettors to get in on the action. Given its rarity, a winning octopus bet can result in substantial payouts for those willing to take the risk.