I’ve written about this numerous times, but I wouldn’t even watch the Super Bowl Halftime Show if it weren’t for the fun props that go with it. I want the game, and I usually want nothing more than the game.
But it’s also fun. And I do love fun.
Once again, the Halftime Show for this year will be more about me trying to figure out if I got a pick right than anything else, but I will admit that I am a huge Taylor Swift fan and will actively seek out her appearances on TV. I have, however, noted that the broadcasts don’t like to stray too far from the game just for the sake of celebrities. Still, Swift is arguably beyond that status of mere “celebrity.” As evidenced by how much of this article’s introduction was dedicated to her.
Getting back on track, there really is no track. This article is supposed to be light and fun. Just like the props. So let’s get to them.
With that being said, we lead with our usual disclaimer. The prop bets below are compiled from different websites, and the opinions given is purely satirical. Do not use this as advice, in any way.
This year, I used multiple sources for the Prop Bets. Here they are: My Bookie, SportsBettingDime, Covers, FanDuel SportsBook, and DraftKings Sportsbook.
Coin Toss – Heads or Tails
I stay true to my brand. Every year, I pick “Heads,” and nothing will change it!
Prediction: Heads
How long will the National Anthem run? Over/Under 90.5 Seconds
Despite just writing about how I stick to my brand, I am considering taking the ‘Over’ on the National Anthem length. It’s a rarity for me — it’s happened, but it’s not often. The irony is that there is actually some analysis to this. The original number was set even lower — one of the lowest in a long time — and has since moved up. I would expect that people had the obvious reaction of, “That’s just too low compared to what we’ve seen in the past,” but I can’t confirm that. So, I’ll switch gears to some more precise analysis. I love Reba McEntire’s show, Reba, and her singing for longer also means more memories of that fantastic production.
Prediction: Over
What will be the primary color of Reba McEntire’s boots? Black, Brown, Red, or Other
Sadly, there are no odds for this. It’s just a series of options. That’s probably for the best. I doubt I would trust the odds, and I would probably end up going with a longshot because it seems worth the low risk. With both teams having red as part of their main jerseys, I’d have to think that’s actually a neutral choice. Also, Reba was occasionally called ‘Red’ in the show, so there’s that.
Prediction: Red
Who will be shown first with/closest to Taylor Swift during the broadcast (not counting commercials)? Donna Kelce, Brittany Mahomes, Jason Kelce, or Other
Again, no odds here, but I don’t think it would matter. I am torn on the answer, however. I can make a case against each one, so let me start there. Donna Kelce has been shown with Swift constantly, but her son is also in the Super Bowl and just might not be stationary in the luxury box. The same is true for Jason Kelce — just replace “her son” with ” his brother.” This leaves Brittany Mahomes as the possible ‘sleeper’ play, but I’m not so sure we’ve seen that combination often enough. Dare I go with ‘other?’ Nah.
Prediction: Brittany Mahomes
Taylor Swift to be shown within the first 5 minutes of the game (clock time)?
This one was actually intriguing because my first thought was, “Absolutely, yes,” but I have since backed off that gut reaction. And that’s all it was. We know Swift will get shown, but if we are looking for in-game cutaways, that has happened either after Travis Kelce scored a touchdown or later in the game just to remind the viewer that Swift is in attendance. So this is more a question of, “Will Kelce score a touchdown in the first five minutes of the game?” That’s a lot less likely.
Prediction: No
Primary color of Taylor Swift’s top at the Super Bowl? Red, White, Yellow, and Other
Okay, moment of honesty time. I set this one up for myself. I have no clue what color boots Reba McEntire will wear, but I wanted to set the tone that red was the preeminent palette of this year’s Super Bowl. But it’s not just for the game. Clearly, this article has taken on a life of its own in terms of Taylor Swift fandom, and I’m not ready to stop. Dare I remind everyone that one of her best songs and albums were both titled Red? But you already knew that.
Prediction: Red
Which song will be performed by Usher first at the Halftime Show? My Way (+100), OMG (+300), Yeah! (+650), DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love (+1000)
At first, I thought I would have absolutely no read on this, but I have since learned that OMG! was the early favorite and has been supplanted by My Way. And supplanted with a vengeance, at that! It needs to be between those two where I am torn picking the early favorite — that also made sense — and the new frontrunner — that might have some hidden push. This is the equivalent of trying to determine if a spread moved because of an injury or misguided people. The strength of the odds is just too strong. I’m going with the new leader.
Prediction: My Way
How many songs will be played during the Halftime Show? Over 8.5 (-155) or Under 8.5 (+100)
The odds are strong for the ‘over,’ and I get it. The list of potential opening songs for Usher was so long that it speaks to his catalogue. It probably ends right around that number, but I’ll follow the odds here.
Prediction: Over
Will Ludacris perform with Usher during the Halftime Show?
Most of the time, this question is phrased, “Will there be a guest appearance during the Halftime Show?” The fact that it is asked about a specific guest just makes it that much more likely.
Prediction: Yes
Will Travis Kelce propose to Taylor Swift following the game? Yes (+1600) or No (-2000)
Back to the important topics! As much as I would enjoy this happening for the entertainment value, it won’t. For starters, it requires the Chiefs winning the game, which simply might not happen. But the real answer is actually deeper. Since even before they started their relationship, it appears as if Kelce has been tuned into what Swift likes, and he takes a genuine interest in her mindset and expectations. I could be wrong, but I doubt she would want her proposal to happen at the Super Bowl. If that’s true, he knows it, so it won’t happen.
Prediction: No
Will the Super Bowl MVP mention Taylor Swift in the acceptance speech? Yes (+600) or No (-1100)
Once again, we are looking at a conditional pick, but one that is quite hilarious in that it could still work out even if Travis Kelce isn’t the winner of the award. Imagine Patrick Mahomes or Christian McCaffrey hoisting the MVP Award and mentioning Swift. Sure, her name could be included with others, but it still seems odd. Obviously, if Kelce is the winner, he probably makes a reference to the girlfriend who has supported him to the point of traveling from Japan just to be at the game — only to return to her tour afterward. And you know what… I want that to happen. YES!
Prediction: Yes
What color will the liquid be that gets dumped on the winning coach? Purple (+275), Orange (+350), Red/Pink (+350), Blue (+450), Yellow/Green/Lime (+425), or Clear/Water (+1200)
How has purple moved into the favorite position?!? I feel like this has happened in the past and I was fooled. Not again! I will not break away from stance that it should always be red. Have I mentioned a theme about color with this year’s picks, yet?
Prediction: Red
And now time for some actual picks. These are mainly being listed because I like the odds, even if the picks, themselves, are either contradictory or unlikely to hit. As always, do your research, be careful, and play responsibly.
George Kittle OVER 49.5 Receiving Yards (-115) – Let’s start with the elephant in the room, even though said elephant isn’t even the source of this pick. Taylor Swift has been the dominant force in this article, and her only attachment to the game is obviously through Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. But there’s another tight end who is quite good, will be playing on Sunday, and is being overlooked. Obviously, it’s George Kittle. He is flying under-the-radar at his position because of the extra attention given to Kelce — this blurb is a perfect example, as it’s less about Kittle!
What will be more in the game, total points or the longest field goal made? Longest Field Goal Made (+120) – It’s funny. In going back to last year’s column, I discovered that I made the exact same pick. It lost. It wasn’t easy to win considering the game scored a ridiculous 73 points, but I’m going right back to it here. Part of it is due to an expectation of a slightly lower-scoring game, but the other part is from the Chiefs’ second-half defense, which has been quite good. If both teams can limit the other late, then the bar is set even lower while also giving the opportunity for field goals to be the only methods of scoring.
There will be more FIELD GOALS made than touchdowns scored (+400) – The odds definitely aren’t in our favor, but this pick ties into the last one. If the score is staying on the more reasonable side of the scale, it probably is still producing field goal opportunities. The odds are too good to ignore for an outcome that is not too outlandish.
The length of the longest drive will be UNDER 77.5 yards (+140) – I like this one because I didn’t like it at first. I’ve written about this in the past, but whenever I can prove my own bias wrong, it becomes one of my favorite setups. Such is the case here. My first thought was that touchbacks that lead to scoring drives would work for the ‘over,’ but I’d have to be careful about those that followed touchbacks from kickoffs. That was it, though. That was the extent of the analysis, and it was admittedly weak. Instead, I started moving back to the lower-scoring expectation, the higher probability of field goals, and the reality that both teams’ average starting positions on the season were around their own 28-yard line, we can see how there just might not be the space for long drives.
Travis Kelce to record 1+ rushing yards (+400) – Moving back to Travis Kelce for a moment, I want to write about him without mentioning Taylor Swift. Oops. Anyway, I was watching a replay of the last Super Bowl between these two teams, and I was reminded that Kelce had one carry for two yards. It’s not an easy pick to win, but the over-under for players recording a carry on Sunday is set at 7.5. That’s a fairly high number and, if it means a pass-catcher gets an attempt, Kelce has as good an opportunity as anyone else.
Patrick Mahomes to combine for 15+ rushing yards and 215+ passing yards (-140) – I’m not one to jump on the ‘special’ or ‘promotional’ picks, but this one stood out. Patrick Mahomes has had no fewer than 29 rushing yards in any of his Super Bowl appearances, so this really just leads to him reaching the 215-passing yard mark. That’s actually not a given — he only threw for 182 yards in last year’s Super Bowl despite three touchdowns and a victory — but it simply sets the target lower for him. I’ll take it.
Christian McCaffrey to go UNDER 89.5 rushing yards (-105) – Obviously, this is a massive risk. Running back Christian McCaffrey is such a vital part of the San Francisco 49ers’ offense that it wouldn’t be surprising to see him win the game’s MVP Award in the end. But that’s also why the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense needs to gameplan around him. Kansas City has not allowed more than 61 yards to an opposing running back this postseason and, while McCaffrey is downright special compared to the other options, he is the key focal point for a defense that finished the regular season allowing the second-most yards-per-game in the league.