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A rare NFL betting achievement where the same player scores a touchdown and the subsequent 2-point conversion (8 points).
An Octopus is a specific achievement in American Football (NFL) where the same player scores a touchdown (6 points) and immediately scores the subsequent 2-point conversion (2 points).
This results in the player scoring 8 points on a single drive. It is one of the rarest individual feats in a single game sequence.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Points Scored | 8 (6 + 2) |
| Required Player | Must be the SAME player for both plays |
| Origin | Coined by Mitch Goldich (Sports Illustrated, 2019) |
| Record Holder | Todd Gurley (4 career Octopuses) |
| Frequency | Approx. once every 25 games (~4% chance) |
❌ Common Misconceptions
To avoid losing bets, understand what does NOT count:
- Passing: A Quarterback throwing a TD and then throwing a conversion is NOT an Octopus. The receiver gets it.
- Different Players: If Player A scores the TD, but Player B scores the conversion, it is NOT an Octopus.
- Kicking: Kicking an extra point (1 point) never counts. It must be a 2-point conversion.
Example Scenario
Super Bowl LVII (Eagles vs Chiefs):
- Touchdown: Jalen Hurts runs 2 yards into the endzone. (6 pts)
- Conversion: Jalen Hurts runs around the left end into the endzone. (2 pts)
- Result: OCTOPUS! Jalen Hurts scored all 8 points himself.
Betting Strategy
Most sportsbooks offer "Will there be an Octopus?" as a prop bet during major games (like the Super Bowl).
- True Odds: Roughly +2500 (25/1).
- Market Odds: Often +1400 (14/1).
- Verdict: It is usually a "fun" bet with negative expected value (EV), unless you spot a specific matchup with aggressive coaches.
Info
Want to calculate the exact probability? We built a tool for this. Check the fair odds for today's game: 👉 Go to Octopus Probability Calculator
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Coined by Mitch Goldich in 2019, it refers to an animal with 8 legs, symbolizing the 8 points scored by a single player on one drive.
No. To score an Octopus, the player must score the points themselves (cross the goal line). A QB throwing a TD and a conversion gets statistical credit for passing, but not for scoring the points.
Evgeniy Volkov
Verified ExpertFullstack developer with a background in mathematics. I build the calculators and game-style tools on ToolsGambling with Pixi.js and modern web tech, and every result uses transparent probability formulas you can verify yourself.
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