Super Bowl Bets and Predictions
By Ben Nielsen
Feb 1, 2014; Hoboken, NJ, USA; General view of the roman numerals of Super Bowl XLVIII at Pier A Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Super Bowl is here, which means it is time to take whatever money you have left from selling your unwanted Christmas gifts and spend it on Super Bowl prop bets. Consider it an investment.
(Note: All lines are from Bovada)
GAME LINE
Denver (-3) over Seattle
Over/Under: 48 points
Seattle is going to win this game, so the smart decision is to put money the Seahawks to cover. My confidence comes from Seattle’s ability to wreak havoc at the line of scrimmage, who were able to generate 31 sacks from their defensive line alone. For perspective, the Chiefs have 23 sacks from their defensive line over the last three years combined. (Side note: You’re going to hear that number from me a lot this offseason.)
Should Seattle’s defensive line fail to get pressure then, well, I don’t want to think about what that means. (Hint: Denver wins.)
PLAYER STAT PROP BETS
Total passing yards for…
Peyton Manning: over/under 290.5
Russell Wilson: over/under 210.5
No question goes over 290 yards. Either Denver is torching Seattle in the air on their way to victory or they are passing like crazy trying to get back into it. Manning for the season has only three games this year where he did not top 290 yards and one of those games was a 289 yard performance.
Wilson is a bit more difficult to figure out. It would seem to come down to how effective Percy Harvin is in his return. If he’s healthy, then, yes, Wilson tops 210.
Total passing touchdowns for…
Manning: over/under 2.5
Wilson: over/under 2
Under for Manning and Wilson. I see both team’s running games being key in goal line/red zone situations, especially for Seattle.
Total rushing yards for…
Marshawn Lynch: over/under 90.5
Knowshon Moreno, over/under 62.5
Over for Lynch. Something about “beast mode” or whatever. Moreno is a bit more tricky because of Montee Ball, but I think he’ll break 62 yards.
PLAYER PROP BETS
Odds to win Super Bowl MVP
There are a ton of players you can bet on to win the Super Bowl MVP, including Steven Hauschka (100/1), Duke Ihenacho (150/1), and Danny Trevathan (150/1). Instead of listening all of the players who have odds connected to them, here’s the top six.
Peyton Manning, 11/10
Russell Wilson, 15/4
Marshawn Lynch, 4/1
Percy Harvin, 10/1
Knowshon Moreno, 20/1
Richard Sherman, 20/1
No way Sherman is the MVP because of the whole Erin Andrews interview situation at the end of the NFC title game. Lynch and Manning are the favorites, with Harvin being the sleeper from this list.
Who will score the first touchdown?
Like the Super Bowl MVP, there are a bunch of players listed with odds. Here’s the top candidates.
Marshawn Lynch, 6/1
Julius Thomas, 15/2
Wes Welker, 15/2
Demaryius Thomas, 8/1
Eric Decker, 8/1
Knowshon Moreno, 9/1
Percy Harvin, 10/1
Russell Wilson, 12/1
No touchdown is scored in the game, 100/1
Lynch or Moreno.
How many times will Peyton Manning say “Omaha” during the game?
Over/Under: 27.5
Over. Way over.
SPECIAL PROP BETS
How long will it take Renee Fleming to sing the national anthem?
Over 2 minutes, 25 seconds: +150
Under 2 minutes, 25 seconds: -200
Here’s the key knowledge drop for you. Fleming is a noted opera singer who is beloved for her ability to translate popular culture into the opera scene. She will be technical with a little bit of flair, which means this thing is coming in under 2 minutes, 25 second.
Will Renee Fleming be wearing gloves when she starts the national anthem?
Yes: -150
No: +110
It’ll be under 40 degrees and, again, Fleming is a knowledgable performer. Gloves are happening.
Will Knowshon Moreno cry during the national anthem?
Yes: +110
No: -150
I don’t know, but I will be disgusted by whatever he does.
How many times will Archie Manning be shown on TV?
Over/Under 1.5
Over. Over, over, over.
How many times will Eli Manning be shown on TV?
Over/Under 1.5
See above.
Who will be first seen on TV after the kickoff?
Erin Andrews: -140
Pam Oliver: Even
Erin Andrews is a lock for this, but there’s some value in taking Oliver.
Will any member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers be shirtless during their performance?
Yes: -250
No: +170
It almost seems too obvious someone is going to have their shirt off. So obvious that I may play no here.
So, Addicts, who do you got tonight?