The Super Bowl is one of the biggest betting events in the calendar and huge sums are already being wagered on it, with forecasts expecting it to be worth more than $5 billion to bookmakers. As the money flies in, the odds are shifting constantly as online betting sites like Sun Bets, Sky Bet, Bet365 and more react to the trends and cover their backs. With the big game rapidly approaching, it is worth examining which way the betting is going before placing your wager.
The majority of NFL fans seem to have decided that the value is on the Atlanta Falcons as the odds on the underdogs have drifted in. A week ago the Falcons were best priced at 7/5 with William Hill but those odds have now shortened to 13/10 as the money has gone on Atlanta. That means you can now typically find better odds on the favourites, the New England Patriots. A week ago they were 20/31 at Bet365 and Ladbrokes but they have now gone out to 4/6. It might not sound a huge difference, as it is going from 1.65 to 1.67 when we render it in a digital odds format, but that 0.02 increase can count for a lot when you consider some of the sums being wagered on this game. The Patriots have been dominant this season and over the past decade with the Bill Bellichick-Tom Brady axis leading them to glory time and time again, and that 4/6 offers fantastic value. But the Falcons are the hottest team in the league right now thanks to an offence that is firing on all cylinders, so it is easy to see why people are backing them and causing the odds to fall.
There is a lot more value to be had on the Patriots when you move into the spread betting market and fans have responded in their droves. Las Vegas has set the spread at Patriots -3 and NFL enthusiasts are lumping on the Pats to cover it. The odds on the Patriots with the spread have plummeted at most bookmakers, but Paddy Power is still offering a generous 21/20, so that looks a great option if you think they can do it. It promises to be a tight game and the Pats should shade it thanks to their superb defence, but New England -3 looks a bit risky. If you’re feeling more cautious, Bet365 has 5/7 on New England -2. Or if you’re feeling supremely confident in New England you can get huge odds of 7/4 on the Patriots -5.5 at Paddy Power. If, on the other hand, you think the Falcons might sneak a win but you are worried they could also fall to a narrow defeat, you can get 10/11 with Sky Bet on Atlanta +3 or 5/8 on Atlanta +5.5 at Bet365.
The other main markets and the wonderful, dizzying array of prop bets are pretty much stagnant at present and are unlikely to shift much if at all in the run-up to the Super Bowl as the serious money goes on the spread and the outrights, while these are more fun novelty options.
Top picks
New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl at 4/6 with Bet365 and Ladbrokes
Atlanta Falcons +5.5 with Bet365
Under 58.5 points in total at 10/11 with Sky Bet, Ladbrokes and various others
Julio Jones to score first touchdown at 8/1 with William Hill, Ladbrokes and various others
Tom Brady to be named Super Bowl MVP at 10/11 with Paddy Power
LeGarette Blount to gain the most rushing yards at 5/4 with Boylesports
No missed extra point at 2/7 with Betfred
No defensive touchdown scored at 4/6 with Bet365
