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Super Bowl 51: Five Last-Minute Props to Bet

Eric Thompson

by Eric Thompson in NFL Football

Updated Jan 17, 2018 · 9:39 AM PST

It’s the morning of the Super Bowl. By now you should know everything there is to know about the game, so there’s no need for a big preamble here. Instead, let’s just quickly look at some props you may want to get some last-second action on. So please, hurry through this piece! If you don’t get a move on, that jerk Norman will steal your favorite chair for the Super Bowl party and you’ll be left awkwardly leaning on an armrest all night.

(But if you do have, like, an hour to kill, listen to our podcast which hits on all these props and more.)


Super Bowl LI Prop Predictions

Shortest Touchdown: UNDER (1.5 yards)

The UNDER has cashed on this bet in eight of the last 13 Super Bowls. Both these offenses are good, and if you expect a lot of points in this one, surely there will be a few opportunities to cash in from the one-yard line. In fact, 11 of LeGarrette Blount’s 18 touchdowns this season came from the one.

Will Either Team Score Three-Straight Times? NO

Each side is capable of going on a run and opening a big lead. But more importantly, each side is capable of quickly busting out of a scoring slump. The Patriots only allowed four opponents to score three straight times this season, and twice it happened when Brady was out of the lineup. The Falcons only allowed three opponents to do it, and it only happened once since their bye week (in a game they led by 25).

Total First Quarter Points by Patriots: UNDER (7)

The Patriots have been held scoreless in the first quarter of every Super Bowl under Tom Brady. Whether that’s because the other team is well prepared, or Brady is just a slow starter, I feel good about this bet. The Falcons’ D is better than you think, and their offense can milk a clock, especially with their proficiency on third down. Even if New England’s offense gets something going, the quarter will be over before you know it.

How many Patriots will have a rushing attempt? UNDER (4.5)

Lock in Brady, Blount, and Dion Lewis here, meaning the difference-makers will be James White and the wide receivers. The Pats gave Julian Edelman a reverse 12 times this season, so I won’t be shocked to see it this game. But White’s workload has been dropping steadily: he only has one carry in the playoffs. In a big spot, expect the Pats to roll with a smaller stable.

Total Receiving Yards By Devonta Freeman: OVER (33.5)

Running backs haven’t done much damage in the passing game against the Pats this year (52 receiving yards per game). But Freeman is on a heater, gaining over 35 receiving yards in his last four games. More importantly, he’s getting over five targets a game in that stretch, so he should get a chance to make an impact on this game through the air.


Photo Credit: Keith Allison (Flickr)[https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/]

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