Beyond The Spread: Super Bowl Prop Bets
If you’re the sort of person whose gambling can be described as “compulsive” or “pathological,” then you’re probably already familiar with the exciting opportunities proposition bets offer. Prop bets, as they are usually called, are bets on certain things occurring that are not directly related to the outcome of the game. Most weeks, sports books offer tame props on how many touchdowns Adrian Peterson will have or an over/under on Tom Brady passing yards. But the Super Bowl is different. It began in 1985, when many books gave 20-1 (or better) odds on a silly bet that 350 pound DT William “The Fridge” Perry would score a touchdown against the Patriots. Despite coach Mike Ditka saying before the game that Perry wouldn’t see the field on offense, The Fridge got his touchdown, thousands of bettors hit on the long odds, and bookies lost a ton of money.
That one bet has spawned a tradition of increasingly strange wagers that can be placed on the events surrounding the Super Bowl. Lets have a look at ten of this year’s best offerings, and my picks for easy money.
What will be the Result of the Super Bowl XLV Coin Toss?
A classic. Everyone knows heads is a bet that only suckers take. Put the house on tails.
Team to be Assessed the Most Penalty Yardage in the Game
The Steelers are one of the most penalized teams in the league this season. James “I try to hurt people” Harrison is pretty much guaranteed to pick up 15 yards and a fine when he attempts to pull Aaron Rodgers’ still-beating heart out of his chest some time in the 3rd quarter. He will complain after the game that he doesn’t know what he did wrong and that Goodell is out to get him.
Taking the Steelers, for sure.
Will B.J.Raji be on the field for at least 1 offensive play?
Must play for action. Special Teams do not count towards wager.
The William Perry special. There’s no offensive formation Mike McCarthy won’t line up in. This year they’ve run 5 wide sets, variations on the T formation (last popular when Nazis ruled Germany and Al Davis was in high school), and a power I featuring two fullbacks. Raji has seen the field several times as a FB in those formations, and since the Super Bowl is a time to bust out all the tricks, I think it’s definitely a possibility. Given the nearly 2:1 odds for yes, that’s where I’d put my money.
Will Any Fan Be Shown on Fox Broadcast Wearing an Ape Mask?
Green Man? Maybe. Ape mask? No way.
When She Sings Anthem Will Christina Aguilera Use a Mic or a Headset?
Try and name the last time you saw someone sing the national anthem wearing a headset. I’m pretty sure that has never actually happened, ever.
How long will Christina Aguilera hold the note “Brave” at the end of the National Anthem?
Time starts from when she starts saying “Brave” until her the note ends. If she says the full word twice wagers will be No Action.
This bet offers an over/under of 6 seconds. A little YouTube research shows that she sang the national anthem at the NBA finals and Stanley Cup in the past couple years. Despite both versions taking over two minutes each (which is another available prop bet, actually, with an over/under of 1:54) she didn’t hit 6 seconds on “Brave” in either case. They’re offering even money for the under, which seems like a lock to me. Free money, people.
How Many Times will FOX mention “Brett Favre” on TV during the Game?
Wager is on the number of times“Brett Favre”will be mentioned on TV during the Game (from kick off until final whistle). Live commentary only, Any Taped or Past Video does not count towards wager, must say“Brett Favre”exactly.
Over/under is 2.5. I’m pretty sure Brett Favre is mentioned at least 3 times in any given football game even when the Packers or Vikings aren’t involved. They probably hit the over by the start of the second half, especially if the Packers take the lead. Definitely take the over.
Who will the FOX announcers say has better hair on TV during the Game?
Must be a direct reference on TV during the Game comparing the 2 players hair or wagers will be graded as No Action (from kick off until final whistle). Live commentary only, Any Taped or Past Video does not count towards wager.
Yo Clay, I’m real happy for you and I’ma let you finish, but Troy Polamalu has the greatest NFL hair of all time. Of all time!
What Color will the Gatorade be that is dumped on the Head Coach of the Winning Super Bowl Team?
Blue 10/1
Clear/Water 2/1
Lime Green 5/1
Orange 3/1
Red 15/2
Yellow 3/2
Last year’s Super Bowl saw Sean Payton get dumped with yellow Gatorade. Everyone knows its tough to repeat in the NFL, but I think lemon-lime has what it takes to go all the way two years in a row, and the odds makers are with me on this one. The only flavor that has any chance at claiming yellow’s top spot is perennial contender clear/water. No offense to fans of the other flavors, but I just don’t see it happening. Maybe next year, fruit punch.
Which Super Bowl commercial will have a higher rating on USA Today’s annual Ad Meter?
Bud Light 11/4
Budweiser 11/4
Doritos 11/2
GoDaddy.com 10/1
Pepsi Max 6/1
Skechers 12/1
Teleflora 15/1
Other 5/2
Getting down to what’s really important. Budweiser/Bud Light are the odds on favorites, and for good reason. They have consistently performed at a high level for longer than some of these companies have been around. “Other” includes notable contenders like Coca-Cola and E*Trade, but I’m going to have to take the proven experience of Bud Light.
