Super Bowl Straight Betting Analysis

One of the most popular Super Bowl bets is the coin toss. There have been stories told in recent years of people placing millions on the outcome of that flip, which after all comes down to a 50/50 play. I’m not sure it’s a bet I would ever make, but ironically enough, picking the winner of this Super Bowl is beginning to look a lot like a coin toss. The bookies certainly can’t seem to separate these two, as they have the New England Patriots in as a 1-point favorite. What that basically comes down to is simply picking the team that you think will win in order to cash in. The question that still sticks in my mind is in regards the health of the Seahawks Richard Sherman. He finished the NFC Championship Game with one arm tucked in by his side after taking a vicious helmet hit from one of his own players. He is listed as probable with an elbow injury, and he has come out saying that he is 100% fit and ready to go, but then again, what else is he going to say. Since teams tend to play things pretty close to the chest in regards injuries, the line is not likely to move based on any major players being unable to go.

What we are left with now is comparing the two squads via their strengths and weaknesses. As far as offense goes, you have to give the nod to the Patriots, as they can hurt you through the air or on the ground. The return of LaGarrette Blount, and his subsequent major contributions, has added a new dimension to the attack, and has opened things up for Brady quite nicely. The Seahawks do have the edge in the rushing game, but it may come as a surprise to many that the Patriots were ninth overall in defending the rush during the season.

The edge on defense has to go to the Seahawks, as they were #1 or #2 in almost all of the major categories. Expect the Legion of Boom to be ready to go, but also expect Brady to use his vast experience to find ways to pick them apart. As far as coaching goes, it has to be Belicheck over Carroll, especially when you look at what the Patriots coach can do when he has a couple of weeks to prepare. It is actually here where I think the separation takes place, which is why I like the Patriots to win and cover.