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Super Bowl Prop Bets: Finding the Winners

Max Meyer |
February 3, 2012 | 5:01 p.m. PST

Staff Writer

Las Vegas sets the odds on some of the wackiest bets of the year. (Wikimedia Commons)
Las Vegas sets the odds on some of the wackiest bets of the year. (Wikimedia Commons)
With the Super Bowl so close and everyone looking forward to the game, commercials, and festivities, gamblers are celebrating their favorite time of year as well.

Super Bowl prop bets are the craziest, yet most fun bets to gamble on, since it's the only game all year some of these bets exists.

An avid gambler myself (just kidding...I'm not 21, yet) I've always loved to combine my knowledge of sports with the ability to win money because of that knowledge. Looking at the line of prop bets this year, I was excited because I saw a couple of "winners" on the board immediately. Call it a gift, call it luck, all I know is when I'm 21, the first place I'm going is a Las Vegas Sports Book.

Before I go into my top prop bets, let me explain how these lines work.

As an example, the Patriots are favorites by -3 over the Giants this Sunday. That means if you bet on the Patriots, you would need the Patriots to have a four point victory margin to win yourself. If you bet on the Giants at +3, you'll win if the Patriots are victorious by one or two points or New York wins the game outright. Finally, if the Patriots win by 3, it's a push and you don't win or lose anything.

Another example is this prop bet: Will Rob Gronkowski score a touchdown? Yes (-160); No (+140). If you bet on yes, you would need to bet $160 to win $100. If you bet on no, you would need to bet $100 to win $140. So, whatever side Vegas thinks is more unlikely to happen, the bettor can choose to pay less to win more. It's much more risky to bet on an underdog, however, there are some real values on the board anyway. Using the popular sports gambling website bovda.com, here are my top ten Super Bowl prop bets of the year (if you actually want to win some money):

Super Bowl Props Regarding Only The Actual Game:

1. Patriots will convert a fourth-down attempt (+115): I absolutely love this bet. I was stunned that Vegas doesn't expect the ultra-aggressive Patriots to convert a fourth down in the Super Bowl. While the Patriots have only converted a fourth down once in

Belichick's penchant for "going for it" on fourth down is well known. (Wikimedia Commons)
Belichick's penchant for "going for it" on fourth down is well known. (Wikimedia Commons)
the four previous Super Bowls under Bill Belichick, he has become a very fourth down happy coach over the years--just look at the classic fourth-and-two game against the Colts. Or even the fact that despite New England staying conservative against the Ravens in the AFC Championship, the Pats still converted a fourth down in that game. Plus, with New England desperately wanting this game for revenge, Belichick will no doubt be very aggressive in this game. By betting $100 to win $115, just take the money and run.  

2. Wes Welker will have more than 6.5 receptions (-115): Welker hasn't exactly been lighting it up in the playoffs, but with Rob Gronkowski at reduced strength, Brady will look for Welker early and often. Welker had seven or more receptions in nine of the Patriot's 16 regular season games with a healthy Gronk. Additionally, in the regular season matchup with the Giants he had nine catches, and burned the secondary for 136 yards. The Giants secondary has improved, but they still have no one to cover the shifty Welker. Stay away from the slot machines gamblers, just bet on the slot wide receivers.

3. The largest lead of the game by either team, Under 13.5 (+120): When the Giants and Patriots have played each other with Eli Manning and Tom Brady as starters, they have played three incredible, close games. The combined difference in points of those three contests were a measly ten points. No team in either of those three games led by more than 12. Each squad is extremely talented, but they are also very equal, so do not expect any big leads. This game will not be a blowout. Bet accordingly. 

Super Bowl Props Unrelated To The Actual Game

4. How many times will (Mrs. Tom Brady) Gisele Bundchen be shown on TV during the game? Over 1/2 (-200): Are you telling me a famous supermodel married to a famous quarterback playing in the Super Bowl won't be shown once during the game?

Mrs. Brady has become a source of controversy among Patriot fans. (Wikimedia Commons)
Mrs. Brady has become a source of controversy among Patriot fans. (Wikimedia Commons)
If Brady scores/throws a touchdown, they won't get a shot of his wife cheering him on? Also, there are whispers among Patriot fans of a "curse of Gisele" (Spygate; 18-1; no Super Bowl victories since she wed Brady), which could make her presence a compelling topic to broadcasters. Come on, this is a piece of cake. 

5. Giants total points (+1/2) over Knicks first quarter points vs. Nets (-115): Cross-over props are often the most fun to bet on. Other examples include Manning completions (+1.5) vs. LeBron points, or Rajon Rondo (+17.5) points, assists, and rebounds vs. BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushing yards. However, I like this bet the most because it's simple (you only have to add half a point to the Giants total) and the Knicks have been absolute garbage on offense this year. They are shooting the second worst field goal percentage in their franchise's history this year! If you are expecting a high scoring game like I am, take the Giants points with ease. 

Other fun prop bets (although I wouldn't recommend betting on them):

1. Will Kelly Clarkson's bare belly be showing when she sings the National Anthem (Yes +250)?

2. Will Madonna wear an NFL jersey or shirt at any point during the Super Bowl Halftime show (Yes +250, No -400)?

3. What will happen with the Dow Jones the day after the Super Bowl (Market Up -140, Market Down Even)?

Whether you take my suggestions or spend your money a different way, enjoy your Super Bowl! May the best team (and bettors) win!

_____________________________

Reach Max by email, or follow him on Twitter.



 

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