The Las Vegas Raiders might be golfing this weekend, but there’s still a big game on TV this Sunday, so let’s try to make some money. All lines are as of Friday afternoon via Draft Kings. We’ll give advice on betting on the final score, game props, and novelty props for Super Bowl LVI.
Betting the Result
Moneyline: Rams (-190)
I like L.A. to win it all. They are a more well-rounded, more talented, veteran team, with a coach who has been to a Super Bowl before. The Los Angeles Rams have built a team to win right now. They have brought in a litany of guys who are there to win a championship. The Cincinnati Bengals are building something great, but they are not there yet. Cincinnati can only overachieve so much. Take the Rams straight up.
Spread: Rams -4 (-115)
This is a tricky line because I think the Rams will win, but it will be a one-score game. I see them being up by two scores in the fourth quarter. The Bengals will get it back to within a score, and L.A. will run out the clock. The hard part is figuring out if the Rams will win by one to four points or five to eight points. Picking that part is a toss-up. In situations like this, I like to go with the favorite winning by more than expected rather than the underdog keeping it closer than expected.
Over/Under: Under 48.5 (-110)
Nobody wants to see the under in a Super Bowl, but that’s what we’re getting. Sean McVay is going to come up with a safe gameplan. He is going to eat the clock and play defense. The last thing he wants is a shootout. Cincinnati has an explosive offense and Matthew Stafford is prone to interceptions when he has to sling it around too much.
Game Props
Aaron Donald to win MVP (+1600)
I think the Rams will try to rely on their defense in this game. Aaron Donald is going to need a big game for that gameplan to work. One of the more suspect position groups for the Bengals is the offensive line. If L.A. has a lead late, Donald could get a couple of extra sacks to make a final impression on the voters.
Van Jefferson to Score a TD (+245)
In the Super Bowl, you have to look for the overlooked guys. Everyone will key in on Cooper Kupp. Odell Beckham Jr. is starting to emerge as a threat as well. Who is going to get ignored? Van Jefferson is the talented receiver that’s going to get lost in coverage at some point for a big score.
Cam Akers Over 64.5 Yards Rushing (-115)
I think we will see a ton of Cam Akers on Sunday. Look for the Rans to establish the run early to open up play action, and then close the game out on the ground as well. So I respect Akers’ ability to sniff around 100 yards rushing, so hitting this over should be easy.
Novelty Props
Yellow/Green Gatorade Poured on Winning Head Coach (+350)
The Rams are my pick, and they seem like a yellow Gatorade team. That’s right, I said yellow, not green. Green Gatorade is an entirely different flavor, and it sucks. Lemon lime, which is the actual flavor of the Gatorade we’re betting on here, is by far the best flavor, other than maybe the white Gatorade or the orange. For that reason, yellow Gatorade is the safe bet.
Heads (-105)
Always go with heads. I’ve never liked any person that picked tails regularly. Heads is the classic go to and the only side of a coin that you should trust with your money.
Jersey Number of First TD Scorer Under 23.5 (-140)
With the popularity of receiver numbers in the teens, this feels like a safe bet. Also, both quarterbacks would qualify as well. Finally, Cam Akers wears 23. This is a great bet.
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*Top Photo: Courtesy of Ace Sparks
