The most popular bets of the 2020 SuperBowl
The 2020 SuperBowl was arguably one of the most entertaining in recent times, with comeback kings Kansas City Chiefs demonstrating their bouncebackability, as they did twice previously in the play-offs to claim victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Prior to the start and even during, a vast number of bets were placed from the weird to the wonderful, though perhaps even more surprising was the numerous amount of different markets that bookmakers offered, knowing that these would attract a market. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular.
Total number of Chiefs to score
Over 3 ½ (+100): This was based on the fact that the Chiefs had a number of players who were more than capable of scoring a touchdown, especially one of their most influential; the irrepressible quarterback Patrick Mahomes who in the run up to the SuperBowl was one of their best players. Kicker Harrison Butker was also seen as someone who could have a significant impact on the game as well. Needless to say, neither player disappointed or upset the odds.
Length of the National Anthem
Under 1 minute, 59 seconds (+170): An almost iconic part of the SuperBowl, the American national anthem adds significantly to the atmosphere prior to kickoff and generally helps to get the crowd going; it can also have an effect on the players. Sung by Demi Lovato, the popular lay was on this being less than one minute and 59 seconds, based on the fact that in three World Series games that she had previously performed at, she had clocked under 1.59 each time.
Patrick Mahomes Rushing Yards
Over 30 ½ (-110): Prior to the game, the quarterback had rushed over 50 yards on four different occasions and was heavily fancied to repeat this once more against a strong 49ers pass rush.
Tyreke Hill Rushing Attempts
Over ½ (+175): Another hugely influential member of the Chief’s locker room, Hill had at least one carry in eight of his previous 11 games, which included both of the Chief’s playoff games, in which they staged impressive comebacks. The rapid receiver was widely tipped to repeat this once more, though he posted numbers of 105.
First touchdown
Kendrick Bourne (20/1): Despite being undrafted, the receiver was responsible for the 49ers only touchdown reception in the play-offs as well as having a team record five touchdown catches in the regular campaign and, with the Chiefs rarely scoring the first touchdown, Bourne was considered a good outside tip for the first, however, it wasn’t to be as Mahomes claimed the maiden.
Whether Troy Aikman or Joe Buck would say “Patriots”
Yes (+200): This was seen as one of the most inevitable eventualities of the SuperBowl. Afterall, it was the first time in four years that the New England Patriots hadn’t been in the SuperBowl.
SuperBowl MVP
Tyreke Hill (25/1): Despite having the hugely impressive Mahomes who had been so impactul for the Chiefs in the lead up to the SuperBowl, it was worth nothing before the game that three of the previous six SuperBowl MVP’s weren’t quarterbacks. The fact that Hill is a huge threat from big plays as well, definitely meant that there was value in this as a bet. It was, however, Mahomes who took this accolade in the end.
The team with the longest kickoff return
Chiefs (-125): These odds reflected the fact that Chief’s Mecole Hardman ranked fifth in the NFL with 26.1 yards per return, which included a 104-yard touchdown, so this was seen as a well favored punt (no pun intended).
Robbie Gould Points
Over 7 ½ (+175): The fact that the Chief’s boasted the league’s eighth best red zone defense, which meant that their touchdown against record stood at a frequency of 51.1 percent, so the 49er’s kicker who had at least eight points in six consecutive games as well as 15 straight field goals, was tipped to have plenty of opportunities to post a number of points. He didn’t disappoint either, as he recorded eight points once more.