Betting the Super Bowl XLIII Propositions
When Las Vegas-based professional sports bettor Mark Franco offered to share his top Super Bowl proposition bets with readers, we quickly accepted.
Franco, the owner of Franco Sports (www.francosports.com), helped start VegasInsider in 1997, and has a fifth-place finish in the prestigious Hilton Super Book Contest to his credit.
Franco is a frequent guest on sports talk shows and appears regularly in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Here are Franco's top Super Bowl XLIII proposition wagers and all lines are taken from the Las Vegas Hilton:
Total Gross Passing Yards by Kurt Warner
The Play: Over 254.5 (-110)
Pittsburgh does have the best pass defense in the league but this number still seems a little low. The Cardinals have been one of the best passing teams all season. Weather this game is close throughout or if it becomes a Steelers blow-out in the second-half Kurt Warner should be throwing the football all day and exceed 255 yards passing.
Largest Lead of the Game by Either Team
The Play: Under 16.5 (-120)If you believe like I do that this game will not be a blow-out, like so many Super Bowls in the past, you should bet this prop. I don’t see either team being up by 17 or more points in the game.
Total Touchdowns Scored by Both Teams
The Play: Over 5.5 (+130)I believe the game is going to be played out to go over the total so here is an opportunity to get plus money on six or more total touchdowns in the game. Both teams should be able to get three touchdowns apiece.
Will there be a Special Teams or Defensive Touchdown?
The Play: Yes (+155)Good value here with a defense in the Steelers that have shown they can score with Troy Polamalu and company. Also factor in a few play makers on both teams and we surely can see a kickoff or punt returned for a touchdown. My gut feeling is Pittsburgh wide receiver Santonio Holmes may be the one to score on special teams.
Will the Game be Tied After 0-0?
The Play: Yes (+115)
Again a little value here at +115 when I feel the game will be tied at some point in the first half. Remember this bet wins if its 3-3, 7-7, 10-10, etc., at any point in the game.
Total Number of Different Players to Have a Passing Attempt
The Play: Over 2.5 (+190)
Arizona had six games with two or more passers (none in the playoffs). It appears that only one was a planned pass.
Pittsburgh also had six games with two or more passers (one in the playoffs). I think both teams will have a trick play or two up their sleeve and that a running back or wide receiver will attempt at least one pass.
Total Points by the Cardinals
The Play: Over 20 (+100)This number for total points scored by Arizona seems too low versus any defense in my opinion. Feeling here is the Cardinals offense and special teams should be able to muster up three touchdowns whether they are in a close game or getting blown-out.
When it comes to proposition betting, remember to always look for the best available lines you can find. The old sports betting adage of "What you save is what you earn," definitely holds true when it comes to propositions, as the odds will vary from sportsbook to sportsbook more than they will when it comes to point spreads and totals.
Have some fun on Super Bowl Sunday and if you tag along with Franco's picks, know that you're following a very well-respected sports handicapper.
