Jan 29, 2014; Jersey City, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate (81) during a press conference for Super Bowl XLVIII at The Westin. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Every season, one of the best parts of the lead up to the Super Bowl is picking the different prop bets that sportsbooks come up with to add an extra level of intrigue, and an extra way to make money, off of the Super Bowl.
This year, it’s no different, as there are a plethora of great prop bets to choose from. Here are some of the most interesting picks to be made, with my thoughts on each one.
(Thanks to Bovada for the lines and bets.)
Who will be the Super Bowl MVP?
My pick here is Russell Wilson, as the winning quarterback often wins the MVP (and I am picking the Seahawks to win.) Wilson is 15/4 odds, tied for second-best according to Bovada. So if you want to take a bigger chance, I believe that Golden Tate would be the next best option at 33/1. He seems poised to break a big play at any moment, and all it will take is a couple of big gains and a score to stand out in what could be a low scoring game.
Who will be the first player to score a touchdown?
Marshawn Lynch is the favorite here, and for good reason. At 11/2 odds, you’re not going to make a lot off of Lynch scoring, but he seems to be the most obvious choice. If you want a longer shot, both Doug Baldwin and Golden Tate are 16/1.
Will Marshawn Lynch score a touchdown in the first half?
With a +135 moneyline on “Yes,” I think that has to be the pick. Lynch is the most likely Seahawk to score, and Seattle should find the end zone at least once in the first half.
Total Points – Steven Hauschka
The line is set at 8 for this prop, and I will take the under. Two touchdowns and two field goals is a push, and I can’t really see the Seattle kicker topping those numbers with the way I predict this game to unfold.
Peyton Manning – First Passing Attempt of the Game
With a +1000 moneyline, why not go with interception here? Peyton is a great quarterback, but the cold and the big game are two of his biggest historical struggles. Throw a few bucks on this prop, because it seems more likely to happen then the huge moneyline would indicate.
Will any player receive a penalty for excessive celebration?
The “Yes” has a moneyline of +300, and in a game with Golden Tate, Marshawn Lynch, and the outside chance of Michael Bennett making a big play and earning a flag, I think that’s worth a couple of bucks, as well.
Will Richard Sherman receive a pass interference penalty in the game?
There are three bets like this, involving pass interference, unnecessary roughness, and taunting. Sherman is most likely to pick up a flag for PI against a pass-happy Denver team, so put your money on “Yes” for pass interference, but no for the others.
What will Bruno Mars be wearing on his head at the start of his halftime performance?
The option for “No Hat” is there, and it has a decent moneyline. So I’ll go with No Hat, just in case he comes out with hat in hand and puts it on after his performance begins.
Will the announcers refer to Russell Wilson being drafted in the MLB?
This is almost a guaranteed yes, but the line seems to indicate it’s unlikely to happen. I say this is a sure thing, so go with “Yes.”
How many times will Peyton Manning say “Omaha” during the game?
You knew this one was coming, right? The line is set at 27.5, and I’m going to go with under. I believe there’s a good chance that the Broncos won’t run as many plays as they normally do, and with the Super Bowl festivities going on, the broadcast may miss an “Omaha” or two.