The 20 Best Super Bowl 50 Prop Bets

Saturday, February 06, 2016

Patrick McEachern of GoLocalPDX Partner Site Oregon Sports News

As a Seattle Seahawks fan, it’s been a while since I’ve headed into the Super Bowl as a casual fan looking to enjoy the periphery events, just as much as the game itself (and, if I’m being honest, probably a little more). And, boy are there a lot of peripheries. You don’t have to know the first thing about football to find something about the Super Bowl that you can enjoy.

Many tune in just for the iconic commercials, which companies shell out millions for 30-seconds or air time. Others are in it for the extravagant (and occasionally controversial) halftime shows, where music’s biggest stars put on a show for the hundred-plus million viewers.

But, to me, those sideshows pale into comparison to the countless gambling opportunities, highlighted by the weird, wild and exceedingly wacky prop bets that have become an annual tradition for veteran and novice gamblers alike.

This year, of course, is no exception. And, while there are hundreds of exceedingly strange ways to wager on the big game, not all prop bet are equal. So, to help you sort through the madness, here are my top 20 prop bets of Super Bowl 50.

20. Will there be an earthquake during the game?

This is simultaneously the maybe most ridiculous and definitely the most morbid prop bet of them all. I mean, we all know that the Bay Area is world renowned for their seismic activity particularly during professional sports title games, but, the odds of an earthquake striking during this particular game are simply astronomical. Plus, who wants to be that guy jumping up and down in celebration if a catastrophic quack did strike during the game. Stay away.

Yes: 10/1

No: N/A

19. Will Peyton Manning announce his retirement during the postgame interview?

This one is tempting, because rumors are swirling that Manning has already decided that this will be his last game. And, if that were the bet, that would be where the smart money would be. However, it’s hard to imagine Manning making a public proclamation of his intention to leave the game he loves in the exceedingly emotional aftermath of the Super Bowl, win or lose.

Yes: +500

No: -1000

18. How many times will Cam Newton do the Open Shirt Superman motion during the game?

This is a sneak way to bet on the game, without actually picking a winner. If the Panthers are rolling, this is going way over. If the Broncos D is dominating like they were against the Patriots, this is likely to be under. At least, that’s the theory. In reality, there’s no way this goes under, as we all know Cam won’t miss many moments to grandstand in the sports largest stage.

Over 2.5

Under 2.5

17. If Steph Curry is shown on TV during the Broadcast what will he be wearing?

The reigning NBA MVP, and lifelong Panthers superfan, will be in attendance as the game is being played just down the road from his new home digs in the Bay Area. It’s a near certainty that they’ll show Curry during the game, there are definitely a few option in play here. Personally, I’m hoping he’s fully decked out in his Golden State uniform. But, alas, that’s not an option.

Personalized Carolina Steph Curry Jersey: 1/1

No Jersey: 2/1

Cam Newton Jersey: 3/1

Any Other Carolina Jersey: 5/1

16. Will the announcers mention that Gary Kubiak was John Elway’s backup?

I had no idea this was a thing, until I saw this prop bet. It seems like the perfect kind of off the wall anecdotes that announcers love to toss out there during the game. So, it’s a shoe-in, right? Wrong! It’s the damn Super Bowl. There will be plenty of things to talk about other than inane trivia. Plus, there’s no way play-by-play guy Jim Nance hasn’t seen this prop bet, and you better believe that he won’t drop this now cliché piece of knowledge on the now suspecting masses.

Yes: +120

No: -160

15. Will the Panthers player who scores their first TD give the football to a boy or a girl?

Awww, the most heart-warming of prop bets. As much as I can’t stand watching the Panthers incessant grandstanding and showboating, I have to give them credit for starting a wonderful tradition of giving a young fan in the front row a souvenir they’ll never forget after each touchdown. While there are likely to be more boys than girls in the crowd, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Panther player seek out a young lady on that first score.

Boy: -200

Girl: +150

14. How many times will the Golden Gate Bridge be shown during the broadcast?

This is a sneaky one by the casinos. If the game were in San Francisco proper, this would be a no brainer. However, while it’s being played in the home of the 49ers, it’s about an hour plus south of the iconic bridge. They’ll have plenty of other things to flash on the screen

Over 0.5: -300

Under 0.5: +200

13. Will Denver win Super Bowl + Peyton Manning Retires + San Antonio wins NBA championship + Tim Duncan Retires?

This is the perfect bet for the guy (or gal) who loves to see Hall of Famers go out on top. If you think the Broncos are going to win, this is actually a pretty decent bet. Most consider this the likely last seasons for both Manning and Duncan, so, that part is fairly safe. The big problem is that the Golden State Warriors are historically good, even if the Spurs aren’t far behind. That being said…. You can make a lot worse bets given 20/1 odds.

Yes: 20/1

No: N/A

12. How many times will “John Fox” be said during the broadcast?

Ouch, this one has hurt to hurt for Fox, the predecessor of not one, but both head coaches in this game. But, while this is a tempting tidbit for the announcing team, I think they’ll have the class to not rub it in the face of Fox (and his undoubtedly watching family) that he was fired by both teams. As funny as that would be.

Over 1: -140

Under 1: EVEN

11. Which song will Coldplay play first during the halftime show?

This is always a fun bet, and one that even the most seasoned Coldplay fan would likely struggle at, as performers tend to kick Super Bowls off with a bit of a deep cut. So, as someone who doesn’t know any of these songs, I feel like I just may be the perfect person to pick this one. That being said, I kinda hope they go off the board and play the only Coldplay song I know “Yellow”, as an ironic tribute to a penalty-laden first half.

Adventure of a Lifetime: 2/1

Fix You: 7/2

A Sky Full of Stars: 9/2

Viva la Vida: 5/1

Clocks: 15/2

Speed of Sound: 9/1

Head Full of Dreams: 10/1

Paradise: 10/1

10. Super Bowl/Presidential Election Cross Bet

In case you’re living in a cave, 2016 is not only the year of the 50th Super Bowl, but, it’s also an election year. This one may take a while to play out, and might make you feel funny gambling on something as important as a Presidential election… but, c’mon! This is just a juicy bet that can’t be ignored. Forget putting your money where your mouth is, put it where your vote is!

Carolina wins Super Bowl – Trump Wins 2016 Presidential Election: 13/4

Carolina wins Super Bowl – Cinton Wins 2016 Presidential Election: 7/4

Carolina wins Super Bowl – Sanders Wins 2016 Presidential Election: 5/1

Denver wins Super Bowl – Trump Wins 2016 Presidential Election: 7/1

Denver wins Super Bowl – Clinton Wins 2016 Presidential Election: 9/2

Denver wins Super Bowl – Sanders Wins 2016 Presidential Election: 10/1

9. What will be greater: DeMarcus Cousins Points+Rebounds or Cam Newton Rushing Yards?

Cross-sport bets are always fun, and this one is great because, love ’em or hate ’em, it involves two of the more divisive personalities in both legaues. Cousins averages a combined 38 pts/rebs per game, and Newton averages 39 ypg on the ground. Classic toss up. The key will be if the Broncos pass rush gets to Newton and keeps his rushing yards down, or gets to him and makes him scramble more than throw. Seriously, this is tough.

Cousins: -105

Newton: -105

8. What will be greater: Arsenal Goals or Peyton Manning TD Passes?

Not only a cross-sport bet, but a cross-football bet! Now we’re talking! This is the perfect bet to make with your resident soccer fan who you convinced to come over to see what “real football” is all about. And, if you’re lucky, both will end up at zero, so you can bicker back and forth all night about which sport is more boring.

Arsenal: -105

Manning: -105

7. The Coin Toss

Ah, the original “wacky” Super Bowl prop bet. A certified classic. Simultaneously the prop bet most angled at the amateur and degenerate gamblers alike. It’s also the definition of random (hence it’s use to arbitrarily decide who gets the ball to start the game). That being said, tails never fails!

Heads: -105

Tails: -105

6. How many times will "dab" or "dabbing" be said by the announcers during the Broadcast?

The part of me that hates Cam Newton and his idiotic grandstanding wants this to be under. Way under. But, the part of me that enjoys listening to middle-aged men awkwardly discussing the latest trends of 20-somethings. That’s some top notch cringe right there.

Over 2:

Under 2:

5. What color will Beyonce's footwear be when she comes on stage for the halftime show?

Beyonce is a fashion icon, so, why not prove to everyone how in tune with her sense of style you are (as well as how much of degenerate gambler you are) by laying down a hundo on the color of her shoes when she comes out on stage for the halftime show? (Don’t answer that)

Black: 3/2

Gold/Brown: 5/2

White: 11/4

Silver/Grey: 19/4

Any Other Color: 7/1

4. Will Mike Carey be wrong about a challenge?

CBS’ resident officiating analyst has earned quite a reputation for being, well, not particularly good at analyzing official reviews. I’m not sure if this says more about Carey himself, or the inconsistency of NFL replay reviews. But, either way, how often do you get to place a wager on someone being terrible at their job?

Yes: +110

No: -150

3. What will be higher: Donald Trump % Points in the New Hampshire Primary or Total Points scored by the winning Super Bowl team?

When it comes to prop bets, there’s nothing more fun than combining totally random non-sports events with the Super Bowl. And, just like cable news channels and late night talk show hosts, gamblers and casinos just can’t stay away from the hot mess that is Donald Trump. This one is particularly interesting, because of the variability on both sides. That being said, even with both teams having excellent defenses and a low scoring game definitely in play, put your money on the winning team. If for no other reason, than for the sake of humanity.

Trump: -200

Winning Team: +150

2. Will "Left Shark" make an appearance on stage during the Super Bowl halftime show?

Now THIS is a totally random, absurd and, frankly, just stupid bet. I love it! The “Left Shark” became the unquestioned biggest star of last year’s Super Bowl, an internet superstar, and a halftime show legend, all with just a few seconds of off-beat dancing (and maybe a little bit of hallucinogenic drugs?). Let’s be real here. There is absolutely ZERO chance the Left Shark makes a triumphant return… but, boy is it fun to imagine. Almost as fun to imagine as the fact that someone will actually make this bet.

Yes: 15/1

No: N/A

1. Will Peyton Manning be seen crying at any point during the entire Broadcast?

This is what prop bets are all about. An opportunity for someone to excitedly shout “that’s a tear!”, turn and high five everyone around them. Even considering it involves the typically stoic Manning, this one also has quite a bit of drama. That’s because the 39-year old future Hall of Famer is playing in what many expect to be his very last football game, and that can bring out the emotions from even the most hardened competitor. Plus, there’s something perversely fun about rooting for a grown man to cry.

Yes: +600

No: -1200

GoLocalPDX partner Oregon Sports News: Since 2011, Oregon Sports News has provided entertaining, hard-hitting local sports news & commentary every weekday. To read more from this author, check out Oregon Sports News by clicking here.