Ricky Dimon
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No game in American sports inspires more wagering than does the Super Bowl, and certainly no game offers crazier prop bets. Whether you like the more traditional plays (Rams -4.5 is the spread; 48.5 is the total) or not, exotic props are always fun.
Let’s take a look at some especially interesting options for before, during, and after Super Bowl LVI between the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday evening.
Al Michaels or Chris Collinsworth mentioning the spread or total (+255)
It’s a good time of year to be NBC. It is broadcasting the Winter Olympics and also has the Super Bowl rights this year. That means Al Michaels and Chris Collinsworth will be on the call. Will either one mention the betting angles for Rams vs Bengals while they are in the booth? It’s unlikely according to the odds, but with betting now becoming legal in more and more states and just more widely accepted at this point in time, it would not be out of bounds for them do so. As such, there could be some value at +255.
How many commercials will include a dog? (Over/Under 6.5)
The over/under on Super Bowl commercials in which a dog makes an appearances is 6.5. Under is a -117 favorite, but who doesn’t love seeing dogs on their television screens? If you want to bet with your heart rather than your head, the over is obviously the way to go.
How many times will Roger Goodell be shown? (Over/Under 1.5)
You know NFL commissioner will be Roger Goodell will be shown at least once by NBC as he watches Sunday’s game. Given all the turmoil going on with the league right now (when is there not a myriad of off-the-field issues?), Michaels and Collinsworth may end up talking about the boss man quite a few times. If they do, cameras will follow. Over 1.5 is a -140 favorite and that seems like the smart play.
To whom will the MVP refer first in his speech?
Patrick Mahomes mentioned his teammates first two years ago. Tom Brady did the same after Super Bowl LV. Neither one – surprisingly – is participating this time around, but teammates are still -120 favorites. They are followed by city/fans (+325), God/religion (+370), his family (+690), coaches (+1200), and the team owner (+2500).
Will any player propose to his girlfriend on the field after the game?
This most recently happened after Super Bowl XLVI, in which the New York Giants upset the New England Patriots. Giants linebacker Greg Jones proposed to his girlfriend immediately thereafter. Will it happen again? Probably not. Yes is a +400 longshot.
In-play Novelty Super Bowl Props
Trick play special: Over 2.5 players to complete a pass (+115)
I suppose it doesn’t have to be a trick play for a third passer to throw a touchdown pass on Sunday. Matthew Stafford or Joe Burrow could leave with an injury, which would open the respective door for John Wolford or Brandon Allen. A more likely scenario, however, would be some kind of reverse pass in the mold of the famous Philly Special.
Doink special: Any field goal or PAT to hit a crossbar or upright (+400)
Cody Parkey, of double-doink infamy, is not a part of the Super Bowl (he isn’t a part of any team at the moment). Thus it will be up to Matt Gay of Los Angeles or Evan McPherson of Cincinnati to cash this prop for Over 0.5 doinks bettors. Gay may be less than 100 percent, so the Rams could be reluctant to attempt any long field goals. Meanwhile, McPherson is pretty much automatic these days. A doink seems unlikely. Then again, at +400…
Kickoff special: Opening kickoff to be a touchback (-120)
During the regular season, opening kickoffs resulted in touchbacks 61 percent of the time. Gay and McPherson kicked them at a 62 percent rate. However, in the last 30 Super Bowls only 2 opening kickoffs have gone for touchbacks. Something will have to give on Sunday….
Jersey number prop: Jersey number of first TD scorer (Over/Under 23.5)
The under would be secured by either quarterback, Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham Jr, Cam Akers, Van Jefferson, or Ja’Marr Chase. Over bettors will be rooting for Sony Michel, Tyler Higbee, Joe Mixon, Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, and C.J. Uzomah.
Any player to have an octopus (+1400)
In case you aren’t familiar with an octopus, that’s when the same player scores both a touchdown and the ensuing 2-point conversion on the same possession. Since the 2-point conversion was adopted in 1994, there have been approximately 7,500 games played. There have been 169 octopi – all in different games. That means they happen 2.2 percent of the time. Therefore +1400 odds don’t seem like enough, but…it would be fun to say you cashed a successful octopus bet in the Super Bowl.
Free Super Bowl LVI Picks and Predictions
Be sure to check out our full-game preview for the big matchup:
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