We already outlined some safer bets to make for the Big Game, dishing out eight hopeful winners in our player props article. But those are mundane props that will see plenty of action from bettors.
Now, we're diving into some unique props that require some digging. A few have reasonable odds and others are long shots. Whether it's exact outcomes, player combos, or betting on overtime, we chose our six favorite distinctive props in order of the shortest odds (most likely to hit) to the longest odds (least likely to hit).
Race to 10 points - Eagles (-105)
In the Chiefs' last three Super Bowls, their opponent reached 10 points before Kansas City. Mahomes' squad doesn't get off to fast starts in the Big Game, although they did mount double-digit comebacks in the last two Super Bowls.
Two seasons ago, Philadelphia raced out to a 14-7 lead and led by 10 at halftime. Of course, we know how that game ended. But the Eagles have scored on their opening drive and beaten their opponents to 10 points in every playoff game. The Bills beat the Chiefs to 10 points in the AFC championship. Kansas City's offense may be brilliant, but history tells us it takes time to start humming on the biggest stage.
Lowest-scoring quarter - 1st quarter (+175)
While the Eagles have started fast in the playoffs and still seem likely to score 10 points first, we're leaning into the idea that teams can start slow in Super Bowls as they get a feel for the game and their opponent. This theory has held true more often than the +175 odds indicate; since 2000, the first quarter's been the lowest-scoring quarter in 11 of the 24 Super Bowls. That's a 45.8% rate, and +175 odds imply a probability of 36.4%.
1st Eagles offensive drive exact outcome - Rushing touchdown (+500)
It's worth exploring the Eagles to score a rushing touchdown on their opening drive based on similar logic as picking them to put up 10 points first.
Philadelphia's slow starts were a concern earlier this season, as the team built an extended streak of failing to score in the opening quarter. But the Eagles scored on the opening drive in all three playoff games, and they did so with rushing touchdowns in the divisional round and NFC championship.
The Eagles will use a healthy balance of passes and runs to march downfield. But once they enter the red zone, Philly turns to its prolific ground game and dials up plays for Saquon Barkley or Jalen Hurts to score.
1st Eagles drive - Successful 4th-down conversion - Yes (+800)
The importance of scoring first in the Super Bowl - especially against the Chiefs - cannot be understated. The team that scores first has won 65.5% of Super Bowls (38 of 58), and the Eagles will want to set the tempo early. They have a cheat code with the Tush Push, and if they get to a fourth-and-1 situation around midfield, head coach Nick Sirianni will be aggressive.
This bet still plays if the Chiefs score on their first drive. It's tough to win games against the Chiefs if you're punting, and the Eagles know it.
Will there be overtime? - Yes (+1100)
Why not take a flier on overtime? The Chiefs' last two Super Bowl appearances came down to the closing seconds, including last year's overtime win versus the 49ers. Maybe the NFL script calls for back-to-back Super Bowls ending in overtime.
The last Super Bowl between the Eagles and Chiefs was decided by three points, and so was last week's AFC championship. The Eagles and Chiefs are evenly matched, and oddsmakers anticipate a close finish given the spread. The Chiefs' recent marquee postseason games have been so close that it's worth sprinkling on overtime at a +1100 price.
Gatorade color dumped on winning coach - Clear/water (+1100)
It's the Super Bowl - why not have some fun?
Let's be transparent: This is purely a guess. However, since 2001, clear/water has been the color of choice 16.7% of the time for teams dousing their head coaches. Clear/water is the longest shot in this market, and odds of +1100 imply a probability of 8.3%.
This prop is also independent of the winning team. The Eagles poured yellow Gatorade on Sirianni after winning the NFC championship, and in their previous three Super Bowl victories, the Chiefs poured purple Gatorade on Andy Reid twice and orange once.
Both teams will have water on the sideline, so take the only valuable number on the board with a small wager for the end-of-game shenanigans.
