Super Bowl LVI

It’s finally here, boys and girls. After 22 long weeks, the Christmas of gambling is finally here. I’ve got a pick for the spread, but I also have some prop bets to keep us thoroughly entertained throughout the game. Afterall, you’re not a real gambler if you don’t responsibly put as many bets as possible on the Super Bowl. For the last time this season, let’s ride.

PROP BETS:

Now that we got the boring spread out of the way, let’s focus on the fun part: Super Bowl Props. Prop bets are what makes the Super Bowl so much fun. If you don’t responsibly unload all the props you can, you might as well not even watch the game. I wouldn’t recommend putting a full unit on all props since they are more unpredictable and it doesn’t take much for them to go South in a hurry. That being said, these are all winners.

Matthew Stafford O5.5 rushing yards (-106)

Stafford wants this win and wants it bad. He is going to be willing to put his body on the line for it. He’s definitely not a gazelle out there, but he can still move around. Plus six yards is pretty attainable since he has at least six yards on the ground in all three playoff games this season.

Joe Mixon O25.5 receiving yards (-118)

With the Rams defensive front likely breathing down his neck, Burrow will want to get the ball out early. That means lots of quick throws to his trusty running back. Mixon also has at least 27 receiving yards in five straight games. I like that trend to continue here.

Cam Akers U64.5 rushing yards (-112)

Akers postseason rushing high is 55 yards against Arizona. He saw 24 carries against the Bucs, but just 13 carries in the NFC title game. That is likely due to the fact he put the ball on the deck three times in Tampa. Sony Michele ended up with 10 carries in that game, even though he only managed 16 yards. I think the Rams will go with a more balanced run game attack and look to get Michele involved again. Fewer carries should mean fewer yards.

Cooper Kupp Longest Reception O28.5 yards (-120)

This feels like highway robbery. If you read my spread pick, then you know the Bengals can’t defend deep passes. They were third last in the league in 20+ yard passes allowed. Cooper Kupp is the best deep ball receiver in the league. He was the top receiver in receptions of at least 20 yards with 30. He was also tied for first in catches of 40+ yards with nine. With numbers like that, 28.5 yards isn’t really even a deep ball. 

Bengals first scoring play to be a field goal (+125)

The Bengals offense hasn’t exactly been lights out early in these playoffs. They have just one first quarter TD to four first quarter field goals in the last three games. Zac Taylor has shown he has the utmost faith in rookie kicker Evan McPhereson, so I’m not expecting Cincy to take any chances early. Grabbing this at plus money is great value.

Odell Beckham ATTS (+125)

Since coming in from Cleveland, Odell has been the clear number two receiver for LA. Cooper Kupp will be getting all the attention from the Cincy secondary, which will allow Beckham to get some good looks. Especially in the red zone where will likely be matched up with known bad corner Eli Apple. OBJ has been out to show the Browns what they are missing since he left, and what better way to do that than scoring in the Super Bowl?

Tyler Boyd ATTS (+220)

Joe Burrow certainly doesn’t lack any confidence, but he probably won’t be willing to throw in Jalen Ramsey’s direction in the end zone. The former 1,000 yard receiver has fallen off a bit in the last couple years, but he made a mini-resurgence to end the regular season. Boyd recorded 227 yards and three touchdowns in the final three games. He also caught a touchdown in the wild card round. He should be able to draw some favorable matchups in the red zone, so I’ll sprinkle a little on him to haul in a score. 

Matthew Stafford ATTS (+855)

This is pretty much a value play. Essentially using the same logic as his rushing total, he will be willing to do whatever it takes to win this game. If he can’t find anyone open in the endzone, he will put his body on the line to take it himself. It doesn’t hurt that he also has two rushing touchdowns in these playoffs, so McVay isn’t afraid to use him if necessary. At +855, why not put a little on it?

* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.