Super Bowl Sunday is the holy grail for football fans, snack enthusiasts, and, of course, sports bettors. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just someone who enjoys taking a shot in the dark while eating wings, the Super Bowl presents countless betting opportunities. However, with so many options (props, point spreads, moneylines), where do you even begin?
This guide breaks down the top strategies for betting on the Super Bowl so you can make smarter picks, have a ton of fun, and maybe even walk away with a little extra cash in your pocket.
Know Your Betting Options
Before you start throwing money left and right, it’s important to understand the types of bets you can place. The Super Bowl is like the Golden Corral buffet of betting—a ton of options, and you want to pick the ones that taste good. Here are a few staples you’ll come across:
Moneyline Bets
A moneyline bet is as simple as it gets. You’re betting on which team will win outright. You’ll see odds like:
- Eagles -160
- Chiefs +140
This means the Eagles are favorites (you’d have to bet $160 to win $100), and the Chiefs are underdogs (a $100 bet earns you $140 if they win).
Point Spread
Point spreads make things a bit more interesting. Here, you’re betting on the margin of victory. If the spread is Eagles -3.5, they’d need to win by 4 or more points for your bet to cash. If you take the Chiefs at +3.5, they can either win the game outright or lose by 3 or fewer points for you to win.
Prop Bets
Say you couldn’t care less about who wins or loses—you just want to bet on something fun. Props are your style. These side bets can be about players (“How many yards will Mahomes throw for?”), teams (“Who scores first?”), or even wackier things like the length of the national anthem or the color of the Gatorade shower.
Over/Under (Total Points)
If you’re betting on the over/under, you’re predicting whether the total combined score of both teams will be higher or lower than the line set by oddsmakers. For example, if the O/U is 48.5, and the final score is 27-24, the “over” wins.
Research, Research… and Then Research Some More
You wouldn’t buy a car without checking out its specs (and maybe reading a few shady Yelp reviews). The same goes for betting on the Super Bowl. To make informed bets, do some homework.
Look at Past Performance
Check how both teams have performed throughout the season. Are they consistent scorers? Do they struggle on defense? Are they injury-prone? If one team has a habit of collapsing in the fourth quarter, you might think twice about betting on them.
Factor in Today’s Odds
When analyzing Super Bowl odds, look for trends or anomalies. For example, if the moneyline odds for the underdog suddenly tighten up, it could mean sharp bettors (aka professional gamblers) see value in that team. Don’t ignore these signals—they might mean something!
Player Matchups
The Super Bowl isn’t just a game; it’s a chess match. Pay attention to key player matchups. If the league’s top cornerback is going up against a wide receiver who’s been unstoppable all season, it could swing the game.
Prop Bets 101: Have Fun but Be Smart
Prop bets are where people get creative, but it’s easy to go overboard. Sure, it’s fun to bet on how many wings the commentators will eat at halftime (OK, that one’s fake—probably), but focus on props that have some basis in reality.
Some Savvy Prop Bets to Consider:
- Quarterback Passing Yards: Check recent game stats to predict if they’ll go over or under their projected yards.
- First Touchdown Scorer: Look at red zone usage and which players are favorites for scoring.
- Heads or Tails: This one’s pure chance, but it’s tradition. Just don’t get cocky about your “tails never fail” logic.
Manage Your Bankroll Like a Pro
This might not be the most thrilling tip, but it’s one of the most important. Always bet with a budget in mind—think of it as your snack fund for the year. Set a limit, and stick to it. The Super Bowl is meant to be fun, not financially life-altering.
Strategies for Bankroll Management:
- The 1% Rule: Only bet 1% of your total bankroll on any single bet.
- Diversify Your Bets: Mix it up between moneyline, spreads, and props instead of putting it all on one outcome.
Beware of the Hype
One of the biggest mistakes bettors make is falling for the hype. Super Bowl media week can be loud, with endless talk shows, hot takes, and celebrity predictions. Block out the noise and stick to your research and strategy.