I love it. I absolutely love it. In fact, the act of turning my thoughts into words via writing always brings me joy, but few things consistently put a smile on my face like writing my annual column about the prop bets for the Super Bowl.
I mention this on a yearly basis, but it should be noted that the best use of any prop bet is to simply enhance the viewing experience by having fun. That’s all. Smile a bit more. Laugh a little while you realize that your friend inexplicably put money on the line regarding the outcome of a coin flip or a wardrobe decision by an entertainer. Don’t take it seriously.
Have fun.
With that being said, we lead with our usual disclaimer. The prop bets below are compiled from different websites, and the opinions given is purely satirical. Do not use this as advice, in any way.
Coin Toss – Heads or Tails
Who knew that choosing between two options with equal odds does not result in a balanced set of predictions? Apparently, there are tendencies to what people choose for the coin toss. I have always been a proponent of picking ‘Heads,’ and I have no desire or reason to change now. Sure, my success rate is not great but, for every time I get it wrong, I expect to be right. The odds tell me so.
Prediction: Heads
How long will it take Luke Bryan to sing the National Anthem? Over/Under 2 minutes 9 seconds
I am still bitter. Every year, the under used to win. Singers understood that their job was to deliver our nation’s anthem with precision and then exit the stage. Now, it’s as if they are trying to drag it out. Trying to extend the song. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the network cut to a commercial break and then returned to catch the final notes. Still, I’m not changing my stance, mainly because I get great enjoyment from yelling, “Wrap it up!” at the television minutes into the song.
Also, last year’s over/under was set at 2 minutes 20 seconds. The eleven-second dip screams for people to jump back in on the over. I refuse.
Prediction: Under
What will Luke Bryan be wearing when he starts singing the National Anthem? Blue Jeans (-250) or Any Other Pants or Shorts (+170)
C’mon. Google the guy. I’m not sure he even has legs. They are just blue jeans attached to a torso.
We should, however, note the wording of the question. When he “starts” singing the National Anthem? Is there a threat that he might change sometime in the middle? If so, I’m definitely going to be wrong about taking the under on the length of the song.
Prediction: Blue Jeans
What color will Lada Gaga’s hair be when she starts the halftime show? Blonde (-400) or Any Other Color (+250)
In all my years of following prop bets for the Super Bowl, I can’t remember finding a two-choice question for a performer’s hair color. Almost always, there are multiple options. Katy Perry might have had five! And we are dealing with Lady Gaga here, one of the people most likely to have “any other hair color” change within the same song! But, as always, I look at the odds. And those are some overwhelmingly opposite numbers where it is basically ‘one versus the field.’ I can’t ignore it. I need to take the one.
Prediction: Blonde
Which song will Lada Gaga play first during the halftime show? Born this Way (+225), Bad Romance (+250), Edge of Glory (+600), Poker Face (+1000), Just Dance (+1000), or Any Other Song (+110)
I’m surprisingly good with pinpointing the songs for halftime shows, despite openly admitting that I don’t fully watch them – besides trying to see if my picks were right. With that being said, we don’t have the same near-guarantee as we did with my Roar-Firework Katy Perry parlay in the past, but we do get the perfect close with “Edge of Glory.” Assuming Lady Gaga wants to open with a statement, “Born this Way” gets my vote.
Prediction: Born this Way, and if the opportunity arises to pair it with “Edge of Glory” at the end, pounce
Will someone catch on fire during the halftime show? Yes (+2500)
What!? I took this one from our friends over at XN Sports mainly because I could not possibly believe this question existed and actually laughed when I read it. “Someone catch on fire?!” Does this happen so often during a routine that we might see it again?! I’m amazed. I’m entertained. I guess that’s all I need. But no.
Prediction: No, but I do laugh every time I read the question
How many times will “deflate” or “deflategate” be mentioned during the broadcast? Over/Under 1.5
Under. It’s always under. Commentators are hesitant to criticize officials on plays that are blatantly wrong, why would they ever bring up one of the low points of the league?
Prediction: Under
Which team will have more dropped passes? Patriots (-130) or Falcons (-110)
I actually think there is some value in this play. Despite being a target-machine who absolutely inhales throws for a high total of receptions each year, Julian Edelman tends to drop more passes than many people realize. According to SportingCharts, he has ranked in the top-eight – technically, bottom-eight – in the league for dropped passes in three-of-his-last-four seasons. And, if the numbers cannot tell the entire story, Edelman has a tendency to rotate his body and ‘cradle’ a pass, instead of attacking it with his hands.
Prediction: Patriots (-130)
What color will the liquid be that gets dumped on the winning coach? Clear/Water (+300), Yellow (+300), Orange (+300), Lime/Green (+350), Blue (+500), Red (+600), or Purple (+1200)
This is always one of my favorites, mainly because I plead for one team to use red and create the image of spilling blood after a hard-fought war. It never happens. Hence the poor odds. But look at the odds for purple! Do they even supply a purple liquid for football teams? Based on the payout, I’d imagine not. Suddenly, red looks more appealing.
Prediction: Red
IF the Patriots win, will Brady, Belichick, or Kraft be seen shaking Roger Goodell’s hand on television? Yes (-400) or No (+250)
Talk about drama! Yes, I’d have to imagine that cooler heads would prevail and professionalism would take over, but I would love to see one of the three openly spite someone on national television. I don’t even care that it’s Goodell. It would make such a great story if Brady were to extend his hand, then yank it back and throw a “Too slow!” at anyone. I hope I lose this one.
Prediction: Sadly, yes
Who will the Super Bowl MVP mention first after receiving the trophy?
Another one that has plagued me forever, but I had to include it mainly because the options are so entertaining. Of course, teammates (+150) are the favorite, with God a close second (+225), but way down the list at a ridiculous long shot is Donald Trump (+3300). Could you imagine a player receiving a trophy, turning to the camera and directly addressing Donald Trump by name first? The only thing that would be more outrageous would be if someone else chimed in with, “The guy from The Apprentice?”
Prediction: No one (+260), since the conversation afterwards is typically light.
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