On August 24, the Florida State Seminoles and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets kicked off a college football season filled with twists and turns at every corner. Now, we are left with 12 teams battling for the throne. This weekend, the first group of eight teams will battle it out for a chance to further their journey and advance to the second round of the new 12-team CFP bracket.

Ahead of the first round of play, let’s take a look at how BetMGM perceives the field. Stake your claim before kickoff. The end is near, but I bet we still have plenty of fireworks in store.

Updated College Football Playoff winner odds

*Odds via BetMGM as of 12/17/24

Oregon and Texas are the early betting favorites in the field. The Ducks are led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who finished third in the Heisman Trophy race. The senior is known for his efficient placement and impressive poise to extend plays as a passer.

As the only unbeaten team remaining at the FBS level, it’s no surprise the Ducks are a top contender to win it all. With wins over CFP teams like Boise State, Ohio State, and Penn State, they’ve proven capable each step of the way.

Texas is a more interesting case. Despite moving to the SEC, the team managed to dominate for most of the season, but its two losses on the year were each to Georgia. Even if the Longhorns avoid crossing paths with the Bulldogs, they have plenty to answer for in postseason play if they want to hoist the trophy.

Interestingly enough, Oregon and Texas reside on the same side of the bracket. So, despite both being favorites, only one can advance to the title game. Georgia is the favorite to win the bottom half of the bracket, and based on the betting odds, its path is much easier.

The Bulldogs possess dominant line play on both sides of the football. On offense, players like Jarred Wilson and Tate Ratledge pave open lanes for Trevor Etienne to burst through. Defensively, Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams are sure to wreak havoc on the quarterback.

Notre Dame (+800) poses the biggest threat to Georgia’s chance of winning it all. The Fighting Irish could potentially face Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.

Auto bids such as No. 3 seed Boise State, No. 4 Arizona State, and No. 12 Clemson seem to be discredited by the oddsmakers at this point. They’ll need to score victories against some of the country’s top teams in the College Football Playoff to change oddsmakers’ minds on their title chances.

Best College Football Playoff Winner bet to make today

• Georgia Bulldogs: +500 at BetMGM

When Kirby Smart took over as head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs in 2016, it took him five seasons and three postseason losses against his mentor, Nick Saban, before his program finally became champions. With Saban out of the picture, Smart has become the godfather of college football, and his most notable assistant to leave for a top job is Oregon’s Dan Lanning.

Despite the Ducks’ stellar year and unbeaten campaign, the team still has its hiccups. While the Bulldogs have shown similar issues, it’s relatively common for established programs to reach a new level of play in the postseason.

The question that looms large over Georgia will be Carson Beck’s status. Beck suffered an elbow injury in the SEC Championship game and there’s no timetable for his return.

If Beck can’t go, Gunnar Stockton proved in the team’s 22-19 victory over Texas that he can right the ship. With good odds, a easier path to the title game, and championship experience, take the Bulldogs if you’re looking for the best value when betting on the College Football Playoff winner.