To many, the Super Bowl isn’t just about which team wins. Equally important to gamblers is the scoring margin, total points scored and, in some cases, if the pre-game coin toss lands on heads or tails and other whacky prop bets.
The defending champion New England Patriots, led by the “GOAT” Tom Brady, enter Super Bowl LII as the favorite (holding steady at -5 throughout game week at most Las Vegas sportsbooks) to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles.
New England is favored due to reputation and Super Bowl experience. While few on the Eagles have played in the big game, the Patriots have made it this far three of the past four seasons, and Brady is quarterbacking his eighth career Super Bowl, an NFL record.
But before you bet your kid’s college fund on the Patriots to cover the five points, you should take into consideration one interesting statistic.
The combined scoring differential in New England’s eight Super Bowl appearances under coach Bill Belichick is 26 points, with last year’s 34-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons being the largest deficit.
Wacky Wagers
If the above stat scared you away from betting on the point spread, there are hundreds of other prop bets, even some goofy ones, available if you need your gambling fix.
Perhaps, the strangest prop bets that you can actually make are on the national anthem. Will Grammy-award-winning singer Pink forget or omit a word during the “Star Spangled Banner?” The line on “yes” is +300, and “no” at -500.
Pink is a huge Eagles fan and may be tempted to shout “Go Eagles” before or after singing. You can even bet on her ability (or inability) to fight off the temptation. If you think she’ll say “Eagles” before, during, or after singing the national anthem, you’ll get +170 odds, or -250 if you think she won’t.
How long will the national anthem sung by Pink last?
Over two minutes (-150)
Under two minutes (+110)
If you’re a big fan of Pink, or at least green, there are a couple of other ways to get action on her actions, including the color of her hair.
White/Blonde 5/4
Pink/Red 7/4
Blue/Purple 5/1
Brown/Black 5/1
Green 5/1
Other Enticing Prop Bets
Speaking of color, coach Belichick’s attire will be of concern to some bettors. Will the “Hoodie’s” shirt color be blue (4/5), grey (3/2), red (15/2), or white (15/2)?
What color of liquid will be dumped on the winning coach?
Blue +250
Red +330
Yellow +350
Orange +350
Clear/Water +500
Purple +1000
Not every prop bet involves colors. Many ask bettors to predict an individual player’s Super Bowl performance, first half point totals, who will score the first touchdown, and other less whacky wagers.
Tom Brady, arguably the best quarterback of all-time, is expected to perform at a high level during Super Bowl LII, as he has done in most big games throughout his career.
But just how dominant will the 40-year-old former backup at the University of Michigan be on Sunday?
Tom Brady Total Completions
Over 26.5 (-130)
Under 26.5 (Even)Tom Brady Passing Yards
Over 294.5 (Even)
Under 294.5 (Even)Tom Brady Touchdown Passes Thrown
Over 2.5 (+150)
Under 2.5 (-185)
If history is any indication, Super Bowl LII will be a competitive battle between two great football teams. Will New England find a hole in Philadelphia’s dominant defense? Or, will the Eagles, led by backup quarterback Nick Foles, pull off the upset?
CardsChat prediction: New England 27 Philadelphia 24.
Enjoy the game.
