PROP, DROP & ROLL
By now, you’re familiar with what it’s like to watch a Super Bowl featuring the Patriots. If you’re in the majority, you will spend Sunday just hoping Tom Brady and Bill Belichick don’t get a record fifth championship ring.
Still, watching the game can be a lot more interesting than strictly as a oneday Falcons fan, and hundreds of prop bets are available to help make every moment exciting.
Here are some of the best — and most entertaining — bets you can make on Super Bowl LI:
National anthem length
Over one minute, 58 seconds: This line is the average of the past 11 performances at the Super Bowl, but on the low end for country star Luke Bryan, who has had multiple performances around two minutes, but also went for nearly two minutes and 30 seconds before a preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium this year.
The coin toss
Either 1-1: Your chance of winning will never be better.
First touchdown scorer
LeGarrette Blount (8-1): The Patriots running back had 18 touchdowns in the regular season, and has scored in six of the past seven games.
Taylor Gabriel (16-1): Atlanta’s speedy receiver broke out in the second half of the season, scoring seven touchdowns in the final eight regular season games. With Julio Jones likely to be smothered, Gabriel could take advantage of single coverage.
Touchdown by a fullback
Patrick DiMarco (30-1): Plenty of points will be scored, allowing plenty of chances for unheralded players and unexpected plays. Atlanta’s fullback has four receiving touchdowns in the past three seasons.
Longest field goal
Over 45½ yards: Neither coach will be hesitant about letting the kickers take a deep shot. The Falcons’ Matt Bryant has hit all nine kicks from beyond 40 yards this season and made 6-of-8 chances from 50 yards or more. Stephen Gostkowski was 2-of-4 from 50 yards or more, while missing just one of 10 kicks from 40 yards or more. Two of the league’s best kickers will be helped by playing in NRG Stadium, where the roof may be closed.
What will be higher: Julio Jones receiving yards or Celtics points scored?
Celtics: Boston ranks sixth in the NBA in scoring, averaging more than 108 points per game. The Celtics, who host the Clippers, haven’t scored fewer than 100 points since Dec. 16, while Jones has been held under 100 yards in three of his past four games.
Most receiving yards
Julian Edelman ( 5- 1): Brady has been relying on his favorite target even more in the postseason. Edelman has 16 catches for 255 yards in New England’s two playoff games this year. In their Super Bowl XLIX win over the Seahawks, Edelman led the team with 109 yards receiving on nine catches.
Height of tallest player to score a TD
Under 6-foot-3: Basically, you’re betting on whether Martellus Bennett will score. The Patriots tight end has just three touchdowns since Oct. 9. At worst, the 6-foot-3 Jones scores and you end up with a push.
References to Deflategate/Spygate
Under 4½: The NFL already removed questions about these topics from media transcripts this week.
Will Lady Gaga sing certain songs?
Born This Way (13-2): Given the political climate, this should be a lock. Edge of Glory (10-1): It’s almost too obvious.
Odds someone catches on fire during the halftime show
25-1: It’s worth it to see the look on people’s faces at your Super Bowl party when you tell them what you’re hoping happens.
Super Bowl MVP
LeGarrette Blount/ Devonta Freeman (22-1): A running back hasn’t won t he award in nearly 20 years (Terrell Davis), but the drought is due to end soon. Either of these talented backs could end up stealing the spotlight.
Donald Trump claims voting is rigged if Brady isn’t MVP
OFF: It’s realistic enough that it should be an option.