Super Bowl LV game props: Go under on penalties, punts
The prop board for Super Bowl LV is wide-open. Bettors can get down on virtually anything under the sun, from pre- and postgame, to exotic, to cross-sport props.
They aren't nearly as obscure, but standard game props shouldn't be overlooked, either. Let's go over some of our favorites.
Total sacks
Over 4.5: +120
Under 4.5: -140
It's been pretty easy living for both Tampa Bay's Tom Brady and Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes in 2020. Their offensive lines are tied for third in the league in sacks allowed per game (1.4).
The +120 price on the over seems attractive with the Chiefs down two starting offensive linemen. The Buccaneers finished No. 7 in sacks per game, and players like Shaq Barrett have set up shop in opposing backfields. But we know Kansas City head coach Andy Reid and his offensive staff will find a way to patch those areas up; he won't let Mahomes be a sitting duck against a daunting pass rush.
Plus, Brady's jersey has stayed pretty clean over his last two Super Bowl appearances, as he's only been sacked once. It will cost a little more, but the under is a really nice look here.
Pick: Under 4.5
Total penalties
Over 10.5: +100
Under 10.5: -124
Game totals ran hot to the over early in the season, largely due to a decrease in offensive penalties. Referees bucked that trend midway through the year, but has it come back around?
The zebras have kept their whistles in their pockets as the postseason has progressed. There were 10 accepted penalties in the Chiefs' divisional-round win over the Browns and seven in their AFC championship victory against the Bills; the Buccaneers and Packers combined for only six in the NFC title game.
We'll go under, with Kansas City and Tampa Bay averaging a combined total just north of 11 this season.
Pick: Under 10.5
Total punts
Over 6.5: +115
Under 6.5: -140
I'm in full support of the game going over 56 points, so mark me down for the under on punts. Kansas City was tied for the fourth-fewest attempts in the league in 2020 (2.9), while Tampa Bay was seven spots lower (3.4).
The Chiefs and Buccaneers were also No. 3 (15.7) and No. 4 (15.6) in first-half points per game, respectively, so don't expect much of a feeling-out process early.
Pick: Under 6.5
More first downs
Chiefs: -165
Buccaneers: +130
One plus-money prop I like is the Buccaneers to score the longest touchdown. But if the name of the game is piling up first downs, nobody's better than Kansas City.
The Chiefs paced the NFL with an even 25 first downs per game this season - 2.4 more than the Buccaneers - and Mahomes has helped the franchise rank top five in that department in each of his three seasons as the starter.
Kansas City's offense hasn't connected on many long touchdown plays of late, but it's still moving the chains at a torrid pace. The Chiefs haven't lost the first-down battle since Week 14, and they've put up 27 more first downs than their opponents in just four games since.
I'm putting my faith in Reid and Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to steer this one home.
Pick: Chiefs
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.