EDITOR’S NOTE
The odds listed on this page were as of Friday from DraftKings and FanDuel. This article should be considered opinion, not gambling advice.
Brian Batko • Steelers beat writer
Favorite prop
Chiefs +0.5 first quarter (-162)
Analysis
Patrick Mahomes has been on this stage before, and Brock Purdy hasn’t. The 49ers quarterback might settle in eventually under the bright lights, but it probably won’t be in the early going.
Adam Bittner Multimedia sports editor
Favorite prop
Travis Kelce OVER 70.5 receiving yards (-130)
Analysis
He’s cleared this number in his last 12 playoff games. Take it to the bank.
Christopher Carter • Pitt beat writer
Favorite prop
Isiah Pacheco OVER 67.5 rushing yards (-135)
Analysis
Pacheco has broken this mark in four consecutive games and six of his past eight. The 49ers have also allowed RBs to break that mark in each of their playoff wins.
Gene Collier • Sports columnist
Favorite prop
Isiah Pacheco 30+ Rush Yards in Each Half (+200)
Analysis
I picked the 49ers, but it wouldn’t surprise me a bit if Pacheco wound up the MVP of Super Bowl XVIII. He’s that good.
Ron Cook • Sports columnist
Favorite prop
Brock Purdy UNDER 12.5 rushing yards (-105)
Analysis
Everything screams OVER; that is just one scramble. But I’ve learned that if something seems easy, go the other way — UNDER.
Chris Dell • Sports editor
Favorite prop
Isiah Pacheco OVER 67.5 rushing yards (-115)
Analysis
Since their off week, the 49ers defense has ranked 30th in the NFL in rushing success rate allowed and has allowed 262 rushing yards to RBs alone in two playoff games. At the same time, Pacheco comes in fully rested and has cleared this number in four straight — including vs. the best run defense in the league in Baltimore in the AFC championship game.
Andrew Destin • Sports writer
Favorite prop
Brandon Aiyuk Anytime TD Scorer (+170)
Analysis
The Niners’ leading receiver has continued his run of success in the playoffs, and I expect him to find paydirt for the second game in a row. It’s good value, too, with Aiyuk having the third-best odds of any San Francisco player to reach the end zone.
Gerry Dulac • Steelers beat writer
Favorite prop
Christian McCaffrey UNDER 90.5 yards rushing yards (-110)
Analysis
While McCaffrey has averaged 94 yards rushing in two playoff games, 64 of those yards came on runs of 39 and 25 yards. The Chiefs haven’t allowed a running back more than 61 yards in three postseason games.
Ray Fittipaldo • Steelers beat writer
Favorite prop
Justin Watson to have exactly 84 receiving yards (100:1)
Analysis
Watson, who played his high school ball at South Fayette, hasn’t had more than 62 receiving yards all season, but hey, strange things happen in the Super Bowl. Watson, who is gunning for his third Super Bowl title, might have to get it all on one play because Patrick Mahomes has targeted him only five times in Kansas City’s first three playoff wins.
Noah Hiles • Pitt beat writer
Favorite prop
Justin Watson Anytime TD Scorer (+650)
Analysis
I always bet on a WPIAL guy to do well in the Super Bowl. Skyy Moore cashed my ticket last year; hopefully Watson keeps that tradition going.
Cameron Hoover • Sports producer
Favorite prop
Isiah Pacheco OVER 16.5 rush attempts (-115)
Analysis
The Chiefs will look to establish the run game early. Pacheco had 24 carries apiece against Miami and Baltimore.
Jason Mackey • Pirates beat writer
Favorite prop
Travis Kelce proposes to Taylor Swift (+1060)
Analysis
I proposed to my wife in a Buffalo Wild Wings parking lot. (Was supposed to be a surprise, but I blew it.) You could propose to Swift after a Super Bowl victory—failing to capitalize on that opportunity is unconscionable.
Abby Schnable • College writer
Favorite prop
George Kittle OVER 49.5 receiving yards (-115)
Analysis
The Chiefs will likely focus more on Christian McCaffrey and the wide receivers than George Kittle. Kansas City already doesn’t have the linebackers to cover Kittle, giving him a prime opportunity to get some extra yards.
Joe Starkey • Sports columnist
Favorite prop
Brock Purdy OVER 12.5 rushing yards (-125) Analysis: Larry Foote called him a “magician” this week. Hopefully he can make some money appear come Sunday.
Mike White • Sports writer
Favorite prop
Isiah Pacheco OVER 16.5 rushing attempts (-115)
Analysis
He had 24 against the Ravens, and I expect the same script vs. the 49ers. They need to get out to an early lead and feed Pacheco the ball.
Ryan Winn • Assistant managing sports editor
Favorite prop
Rashee Rice OVER 67.5 receiving yards (-115)
Analysis
With the 49ers undoubtedly focusing on stopping Travis Kelce, their suspect secondary is ripe for another weapon to feast upon. Rice has emerged as Patrick Mahomes’ nextbest thing, so I expect heavy usage.
Paul Zeise • Sports columnist
Favorite prop
Brock Purdy to throw for 250+ yards and two touchdowns (+200)
Analysis
For the Swifties’ “Anti-Hero,” this seems to be a good price for this bet, and in seeing this is a game of good (Purdy) versus evil (Brittany Mahomes/Jackson Mahomes/Travis Kelce). I love the 49ers in this one.