Super Bowl Betting Trends: Seahawks vs. Patriots

As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, sportsbooks are gearing up for a major influx of bets, with projections indicating over a billion dollars will be wagered legally on the Seattle Seahawks versus the New England Patriots match-up. This showdown features two teams that, prior to the season, had odds of 60 to 70/1 to win the championship, making it a surprising clash for the ages.

The Unlikely Finalists

Both teams were viewed as bottom-tier contenders during the preseason, alongside other struggling franchises like the Giants and Jets. Johnny Avello, DraftKings’ Director of Sports Operations, emphasized the rarity of this matchup, stating, “Whoever wins this game will be the most unlikely Super Bowl winner in DraftKings history.”

Betting Odds

• Opening Spread: Seahawks -3.5
• Current Spread: Seahawks -4.5

Since the odds opened, the spread has shifted but remained stable, reflecting the mounting interest in the Seahawks. DraftKings is seeing a significant volume of bets on them, particularly against the spread. Avello mentioned, “We’re Seahawks fans right now,” highlighting the sportsbook’s position as they welcome continued betting on Seattle.

Conversely, the Patriots have garnered considerable support for moneyline bets, but the stakes appear to be smaller compared to the enthusiasm surrounding Seahawks wagers. “No crazy sharp action right now, but we expect that to come next week sometime,” Avello noted.

Liability Management

Avello pointed out the significance of the liabilities surrounding the Patriots, who had odds as high as 25/1 to win the Super Bowl leading into the playoffs. This popularity poses a risk for sportsbooks, but betting trends indicate a balanced action that could mitigate potential losses. An ideal scenario for DraftKings would see the Seahawks winning by a field goal or less, easing the impact of future liabilities associated with betting on New England.

Popular Prop Bets

One of the most lucrative aspects of Super Bowl betting comes from prop bets, which often attract significant interest. DraftKings is keen to capitalize on both traditional and quirky betting options, having evolved from the early days of betting on players like William “The Refrigerator” Perry.

Oregon-Pennsylvania Props:

• First Touchdown Scorer (Over/Under): Jersey Number of the player to score the first touchdown set at 10.5.
• Gatorade Color Prop: Unique state-specific props available through DraftKings.

Avello recounted the evolution of prop betting, stating, “The bets we had to put up all had to be played out on the field. We couldn’t put up the color of the Gatorade.” However, in today’s landscape, such whimsical bets are prevalent, offering punters countless opportunities to engage with the game.

Promotional Offers

To generate excitement leading up to the Big Game, DraftKings is rolling out several promotional initiatives. Notably, they are giving away $9 million in bonus bets on the night of the Super Bowl, aiming to drive even greater interest among bettors.

Conclusion

As the Super Bowl approaches, the anticipation surrounding the Seahawks versus Patriots match-up intensifies, highlighting the dual nature of this betting bonanza: the thrill of competition and the strategic intricacies of wagering. With an array of betting options available, from traditional spreads to engaging props, fans have the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the excitement of the Big Game.

For more insights and up-to-date betting odds, visit DraftKings and explore their extensive offerings as Super Bowl weekend approaches.

Embrace the excitement of this year’s Super Bowl with a strategic approach to betting, ensuring that you stay informed and engaged as the game unfolds.