On Feb. 3, 2019 the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams will square off in Atlanta in Super Bowl LIII. Of course, as always, a lot of wagering will accompany this game. Many fans will place bets on the Patriots (-2.5) or Rams (+2.5) against the spread, while others will wager straight up and some will bet the over/under line (57.5). But there are other, more fun and interesting, ways to wager on football’s biggest game. Below are some Super Bowl LIII prop bets and predictions.
Prop Bets and Predictions for Super Bowl LIII
How long will it take Gladys Knight to sing the National Anthem?
Over 107 seconds (-115), Under 107 seconds (115)
The last 10 performances of the National Anthem at the Super Bowl have averaged 120.4 seconds (2 minutes and 0.4 seconds). The longest was Alicia Keys‘ rendition at 2 minutes and 35 seconds, while Kelly Clarkson‘s, at 1 minute 34 seconds, was the shortest.
Of the most recent 10 performers, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys are the closest to Gladys Knight in terms of genre. Their performances averaged 142.5 seconds (2 minutes and 22.5 seconds).
Take the over.
Will opening coin flip be heads or tails
Heads -103
Tails -103
In honor of Matthew Slater and his father the prediction here is heads, but c’mon, obviously the odds here are 50/50. Don’t bet on this unless you just really love to gamble.
What color will the liquid be that is poured on the game-winning coach?
Lime/Green/Yellow (+225), Orange (+300), Blue (+375), Red (+400), Clear/Water (+400), Purple (+1000)
Going with the Patriots as the victors in Super Bowl LIII (but it will be a close, close game) the prediction here is red.
Will a flea-flicker be attempted in the game?
Yes (+155), No (-220)
With Josh McDaniels and Bill Belichick on the sideline for New England and Sean McVay on the Rams sideline it is likely that a trick play, like a flea-flicker is attempted during the game. Wager on yes for this prop bet.
Will there be a roughing the passer penalty called?
Yes (-105), No (-135)
The NFL and their refs won’t be able to go an entire game without calling a roughing the passer penalty, even if the ref isn’t in the correct position to actually see the play (i.e. the AFC Championship game this season). Bet yes here.
Will an onside kick be attempted in the game?
Yes (-140), No (Even)
Both Belichick and McVay are known for taking chances and being aggressive. But the new rules surrounding onside kicks have made it almost impossible to recover an onside kick. Unless it is absolutely necessary, given the score and time remaining in the game, neither coach will elect to try an onside kick. Since no is even money, maybe just don’t wager on this particular prop bet.
What will be the first song performed by Maroon 5?
“One More Night” (+300), “Makes Me Wonder” (+500), “Sugar” (+550), “Animals” (+600), “Girls Like You” (600), “Moves Like Jagger” (+600), “Don’t Wanna Know” (+700), “Payphone” (+1000), “Maps” (+1500), “She Will Be Loved” (+1500), “This Love” (+1500)
This writer is not really a Maroon 5 fan, but with a lot of concerts under the belt, here is a stab at a prediction. It probably makes sense that Adam Levine and company would open with a huge hit like “Moves Like Jagger” which features Christina Aguilera and then have her stay on stage to perform “Girls Like You” since Cardi B (featured on the remix version) has reportedly turned down offers to be in the halftime show.
The odds for Cardi B’s replacement are Christina Aguilera (5-1), Faith Hill (9-1) and Jennifer Lopez (9-1).
Will “Dilly Dilly” be said during a Bud Light commercial?
Yes -200
No +150
Bet yes on this. There’s usually more than one Bud Light commercial that airs during the Super Bowl. Fans will most likely hear “dilly dilly” uttered at least once (and see the Bud Knight) in a Bud Light spot during the big game.
Will Jim Nantz or Tony Romo say “Bet against us”?
Yes +400
No -650
It is at least somewhat likely that either Tony Romo (who may or may not live approximately eight seconds in the future) or Jim Nantz say “bet against us” during the Super Bowl. This is probably not the smartest prop bet on which to place a wager, but if you must bet, bet yes.
Will Jim Nantz or Tony Romo say “underdog”?
Yes -400
No +320
Either Nantz or Romo saying “underdog” at any point during the Super Bowl is even more likely than one of them saying “bet against us.” They will somehow work “underdog” into the broadcast, possibly in reference to the Patriots being more of a perceived underdog in this year’s playoffs than in past postseasons. It will be too easy for one of the announcers to work in the word “underdog” during the game. It’s probably going to happen.
Will Jim Nantz or Tony Romo say “GOAT”
Yes +360
No -500
Yes, yes, yes. This is almost non-negotiable. This isn’t a question of if, but when. There should be an over/under prop bet on the number of times either Romo or Nantz reference/say GOAT.
Who will be the Super Bowl MVP
Tom Brady EVEN
Jared Goff +205
Todd Gurley +1600
Sony Michel +1800
C.J. Anderson/Aaron Donald/James White +2000
Brandin Cooks/Robert Woods/Julian Edelman +4000
Rob Gronkowski +5000
If the Patriots win the Super Bowl, chances are the MVP award is going to Brady. The only non-quarterback to be named Super Bowl MVP for New England was Deion Branch (wide receiver) who took home the award in Super Bowl XXXIX.
But let’s be honest, the Super Bowl MVP (like the regular season league MVP award) usually goes to a quarterback, regardless of whether or not the Patriots are the victors. Since 2010 only two non-quarterbacks have taken home Super Bowl MVP honors. Malcolm Smith (with the Seattle Seahawks) took home the award in 2013 and Von Miller was the Super Bowl MVP for the Denver Broncos in 2015.
The safe bet is to take the quarterback for whichever team you believe will win the game. But Sony Michel has been great for the Patriots this season, especially as of late, and the odds are there to warrant putting some money on the Patriots running back.
Player with first Touchdown of the game
Todd Gurley 15/2
Sony Michel 15/2
C.J. Anderson 8/1
James White 10/1
Brandin Cooks 10/1
Robert Woods 11/1
Julian Edelman 23/2
Rob Gronkowksi 13/1
Jared Goff 55/1
Tom Brady 75/1
Field 4/1
Go with Sony Michel or C.J. Anderson here. Offenses can sometimes get off to slow starts in the Super Bowl, but both teams are more than capable of scoring a touchdown on their opening drives so this could come down to which team receives the opening kickoff.
Gurley had a rough NFC championship game and, although it has not been confirmed at all, he may not be 100% healthy. Gurley is one of the best backs in the league so he will obviously get his chances in the Super Bowl, but if the Rams have a first and goal on their first possession, McVay may elect to go with Anderson to finish off the drive.
As it pertains to Michel, the former UGA running back has led New England in rushing in both playoff games this year and he has the trust of Brady, Belichick and McDaniels. He could certainly get multiple carries on the Patriots first possession, including in the red zone.
Player with most receiving yards
Julian Edelman 3/1
Brandin Cooks 7/2
Robert Woods 4/1
Rob Gronkowski 8/1
James White 11/1
Field 13/2
Don’t overthink this one. If you believe the Patriots will win the Super Bowl go with Edelman. He has led the Patriots in receiving yards in both playoff games this season. He’s built chemistry with Brady and his quarterback knows he can trust Edelman, especially on third down.
If you have the Rams winning the Super Bowl go with Robert Woods. Belichick will most likely focus on stopping Gurley and Anderson and not allow the Rams to beat the Patriots on the ground. Belichick is going to make Goff try to beat New England. And Goff’s two favorite receiving targets are Cooks and Wodds. Cooks played with New England last season so Belichick will know his tendencies even more than usual. It is likely Cooks doesn’t get a ton of opportunities, which will leave Woods with some chances to make an impact.
Player with most rushing yards
Sony Michel 12/11
Todd Gurley 5/2
C.J. Anderson 7/2
Field 75/1
Go with Michel.
Quarterback with more passing yards
Tom Brady 6/7
Jared Goff 7/1
Go with Goff. Brady is the better quarterback, but the Rams will probably throw the ball more than will the Patriots. If Goff has more attempts than Brady he will probably have the more passing yards too.
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